A DENBIGHSHIRE athlete is about to take a giant leap forward after being selected for Tîm Cymru.

William Bishop, 18, of Llanrhaeadr, has qualified to represent Wales in the Commonwealth Youth Games, on the twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, next month.

The Games will see more than 1,000 athletes and para-athletes between the ages of 14-18 across the 72 nations and territories around the Commonwealth compete across seven sports.

He will be competing in the F35-38 long jump.

This will be a historic event as it will be the first time that any Para sport is included in the Commonwealth Youth Games.

William Bishop, 18, Llanrhaeadr, has qualified as a member of Tîm Cymru for the Commonwealth Youth Games.

William Bishop, 18, Llanrhaeadr, has qualified as a member of "Tîm Cymru" for the Commonwealth Youth Games.

It is also the first time for the games to be held in the Caribbean.

Commonwealth Games Wales President, Helen Phillips said: “The Youth Games is an exceptional platform to compete on a big international stage and showcase the talent we have here in Wales. It is also an important move within the Youth Games to include para-sport in the competition programme. We are extremely proud to have four para-athletes included in the team. I wish them all the very best and I look forward to following the athletes as they embark on their Commonwealth journey this summer."

William is proud to have been selected for what will be his second international fixture this year after he competed in Cape Town in the South African National Para Championships.

He won a gold medal in the F35-38 long jump and managed a new personal best.

This trip was part of the GAPS Programme, in affiliation with the Commonwealth Youth Games, where he was able to take part in an elite training programme to prepare for the Youth Games.

William Bishop, 18, Llanrhaeadr, has qualified as a member of Tîm Cymru for the Commonwealth Youth Games.

William Bishop, 18, Llanrhaeadr, has qualified as a member of "Tîm Cymru" for the Commonwealth Youth Games.

William's athletics coach, Morgan Jones, Disability Sport Wales, said: "William has worked incredibly hard to gain selection for the Commonwealth Youth Games and has already performed well this season. William will compete in the Para long jump on 8th August, 2023".

The Chair of Welsh Athletics, Stephen Perks added: "This represents both a fantastic achievement and an acknowledgement of the hard work that has been undertaken to reach the necessary standard. Enjoy the experience and see this competition as an opportunity to achieve even greater things in the future".

William is currently ranked first in the UK in the senior male F35 long jump and third in the UK in the senior F35 100m sprint.

Both William and his family would like to express their continued gratitude to Disability Sport Wales and Welsh Athletics for their support.

Rhys Williams, Trinbago Welsh Athletics Team Leader, said: “The Commonwealth Youth Games is a key event on the Welsh Athletics Talent Pathway, where they will gain valuable experience towards future major senior Championship events”.