LIPHOOK Paralympian Olivia Breen has been selected to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast.

The 21-year-old, who shot to stardom at the 2012 London Paralympics after helping Great Britain and Ireland to a bronze in the 200m relay – was one of the first six para-athletes selected for Team Wales ahead of next year’s Games Down Under.

Breen will compete in the women’s T38 100m as well as the women’s T38 long jump.

Ranked number one in the world in the T38 category, Olivia will be competing alongside T37 long jumper Beverley Jones. Hollie Arnold, who also currently holds a top world ranking spot, has been selected for the women’s F46 javelin event.

Olivia, who won gold at the IPC World Championships, conveyed her delight in her tweet: “I am so excited and honoured to have been selected to represent Wales at my second Commonwealth Games in Australia next year in the long jump and 100m!

“I am looking forward to wearing the red vest again and I will try my best to make everyone proud!”

The Commonwealth Games is the only international multi-sport event which features an integrated para-sport programme.

The 2018 Games will see the largest para-sport programme in its history – with up to 300 para-athletes and 38 medal events across seven sports.

That is an increase of 45 per cent more athletes and 73 per cent more medals compared to the para-sport competition staged at the last Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow, in 2014.

Commonwealth Games Wales Board chairman Helen Phillips, who confirmed the selections, said: “Congratulations to the para-athletes who have been selected to represent Team Wales in athletics at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“They have all achieved great results on the international sporting stage, and we look forward to seeing them make Wales proud once again next year. Being chosen for Team Wales is testament to their commitment, passion and dedication and also the excellent support of their coaches, families, Disability Sport Wales and Welsh Athletics.”

Disability Sport Wales’ chief executive Fiona Reid added: “Disability Sport Wales are delighted to see the inclusion of these para-athletes within Team Wales.

“The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will showcase the highest number of para-sport events ever at a Commonwealth Games, and I’m absolutely thrilled to see a strong team of para-athletes selected to the athletics team.

“With a mix of world champions and Paralympic champions as well as newly identified athletes, it shows the strength in the para-athlete development we have in here in Wales.”

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games take place from April 4-15.