Aled Davies won a gold medal at the IPC Athletics European Championships in Swansea.
The Commonwealth Games Team Wales captain threw 13.66m to win the men’s F42 shot put final by more than a metre in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Davies, who hails from Bridgend, said: “It was a change for me because in the Commonwealth Games I competed in the discus so my focus was all on that but it’s good to get the win.
“The competition is normally a higher standard than today, not many people brought their ‘A’ games but neither did I, it was an ugly win but I am pleased with the victory.
“It was lovely to come back home after Glasgow and win a gold medal in my own back yard.
“The British team is doing very well which is great to see and from a personal point of view it’s good to get the win as I work towards Rio.”
There was yet more success for Welsh athletes in the sprints as Laura Sugar and Jordan Howe both claimed bronze medals.
Sugar was third in the women’s T44 200m final in a time of 28.75s, with the victory going to The Netherland’s Marlou van Rhijn.
Laura said: “I’m so happy it was a very tough race and it was very windy. I was hoping for the line to come quicker!
“Everyone has been very supportive it’s great to see all of the team doing well – it was just a shame about the conditions because I could have got a personal best but I think there’s more to come.
“I’ve got the Grand Prix on Sunday and it’s pretty much a World Championships with the American athlete coming in. I’m going to go and enjoy it on Sunday because it’s where I train.
“Last year I was new to the team and this year I really wanted to go for it. I’m chuffed with the result.”
Howe was third in the men’s T35 200m final in 28.73s.
He said: “It’s an amazing feeling as I wasn’t sure I’d make it this year with all my injuries.
“It’s a brilliant result and means such a lot to compete on home soil.
“I came here to do a job and I’m thankful to my family for their support – it means a lot having them here.”
Bradley Wigley and Rhys Jones narrowly missed out on medals. Wigley was third in the T38 200m final (only two medals given) and Jones was fourth in the T37 200m final.
Jones said: “I give it everything including the kitchen sink but it wasn’t quite enough. I’m disappointed not to win a medal but I couldn’t have done anymore.
“That’s my season over now. It’s been a good season and I’ll have a couple of weeks off before going back into winter training.”
