Joe Has Stellar Race in Belgium

Pontypridd’s Joe Thomas has rocketed up the UK rankings after a bronze medal win in Belgium.

The 20-year-old UWIC student competed in the men’s 800m – the showpiece event of the Leon Buyle Memorial meeting. He finished with a flourish over the last 200m to secure third place with a personal best of 1:46.2.

Thomas has had a superb season – he triumphed at the England Under-23 Championships in Bedford last month and went on to seize victory over Andy Baddeley in the Bank of Scotland Cup.

This latest result means that the Pontypridd speed demon has jumped from the no.8 spot in the UK senior rankings into second position - just behind Michael Rimmer who has recently been selected to compete at the Beijing Olympics.

Thomas is one of 13 promising athletes supported by The Welsh Talent Development Academy (WTDA) - a Welsh Athletics programme designed to nurture potential world-beaters.

He was joined in Belgium by two fellow WTDA members - Chris Gowell and Caryl Granville – who also had a successful outing. 

Gowell – a Swansea Harrier but now based in Cardiff –proved he is on the comeback trail from injury. He led a competitive field in the 800m 'B' race to win in 1:48.35. 

Meanwhile, Granville was also on personal best form. The 18-year-old Carmarthen Harrier took a bronze in the 400m, clocking 55.89.

The WTDA is designed to help catapult talented athletes with developmental potential to the top. It ensures that young talents have the necessary support needed to progress onto the UK: Athletics World Class Pathway - a programme that focusses on podium and top eight success at Olympic and World level.

The apprentices benefit from expert coaching, injury support as well as a performance managed budget which can help with the costs of training and competing in domestic and international fixtures.

For more information, please contact Jane Williams at Welsh Athletics on 029 2033 8274

For full results, please visit www.welshathletics.org