WORTH THE WEIGHT
Holyhead lifter’s joy at Commonwealth Games triumph ‘20 years in the making’
WEIGHTLIFTER Gareth Evans hailed his victory at the Commonwealth Games as “20 years in the making” after claiming Wales’ first gold medal on Australia’s Gold Coast.
The 31-year-old said it “still hasn’t sunk in” after he lifted 299kg in the -69kg class.
Wrexham AFC fan Evans, of Holyhead, later tweeted a photograph of himself in the club’s shirt stating: “Well what a day! Could you tell I enjoyed that performance? Had to wear my true colours!”
Speaking afterwards he said: “This medal has been 20 years in the making for me but it still feels unreal. I’ve worked so hard and I was raring to go – I knew that this could be my time.
“Sitting waiting for the final lift was the hardest, the gold was in reaching distance.”
Evans, a sports assistant at Bangor University’s Canolfan Brailsford Sport Centre, added: “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. Having the medal around my neck means so much, although wrapping the flag around me means as much.”
Bangor University has six athletes competing, and director of sport and commercial services Richard Bennett said: “We are very proud and honoured to support our six athletes and are, of course, delighted at Gareth’s success.”
Ynys Môn AM Rhun ap Iorwerth described Evans’ triumph as “stunning”, adding: “I know how hard he’s worked and gold is exactly what he deserves. I’m so proud of his coach, Ray Williams, and the Holyhead and Anglesey Weightlifting Fitness Club where Gareth has put in so many hours. Holyhead, Anglesey and Wales salute you and can’t wait to give you a warm homecoming.”
After his winning lift Evans ran to his coach Williams, who himself won gold in the featherweight class at the 1986 Commonwealth Games.