By Owen Morgan

Beth Kidger has been added to Wales’ Commonwealth Games athletics team following the withdrawal of Charlotte Arter on medical grounds.

Arter, the women’s parkrun world record holder and Welsh record holder at half marathon, 5k and 10k. was due to compete in the 5,000m and 10,000m in Birmingham.

The Cardiff athlete’s place in the 5,000m will now be taken by former Welsh 1500m champion Kidger, who stepped up to the longer distances last year with great success.

Kidger enjoyed instant recognition being selected to represent Great Britain at the European Athletics Team Championships Super League in May of last year.

Announcing the change to the Welsh team, Welsh Athletics National Coach Chris Jones said: “We can today confirm that sadly Charlotte Arter has been withdrawn on medical grounds from the 5000m and 10,000m at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“Under Games regulations after the closure of entries [29th June] only direct substitutions within the same gender and event are permitted, and on this basis, we are pleased that the proposal of Beth Kidger put to Team Wales has been accepted.

“Beth will now join the other 23 athletes as part of the athletics cohort within Team Wales and compete in the 5000m on Sunday 6th August.”

Reacting to the announcement, Kidger said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been added to the team.

“We set out this goal a few years ago and I knew it wouldn’t be easy to get there so I am grateful for the opportunity and that the hard work has paid off.

“I can’t wait to get out there and give it my all for Team Wales in my first major Champs!”