By Owen Morgan
Star Welsh race walkers Heather Lewis and Bethan Davies have been selected in a five-strong Great Britain team for the 2021 European Race Walking Team Championships in the Czech Republic next month.
Pembrokeshire Harrier Heather Lewis and Bethan Davies, of Cardiff Athletics, have dominated the British women’s race walking scene in recent years.
Most recently, the Commonwealth Games athletes claimed a Welsh one-two in the Müller British Athletics Olympic 20km Walk Trials at Kew Gardens last month.
Feeling very fortunate to be offered this opportunity to represent @BritAthletics at the 2021 @EuroAthletics Race Walking Team Champs 🇬🇧
After the struggles of last year this selection definitely feels extra special! Can't wait to part of this small but strong team🚶🏻♀️🚶♀️🚶🚶🏼🚶🏁 https://t.co/7yONFqUXHj
— Bethan Davies (@Beth_Davies7) April 29, 2021
Although neither has yet attained the Olympic qualifying time, Lewis sits at the top of the 2021 UK rankings in the event, while Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Davies, is the second fastest Briton ever over 20k.
They have both been selected for the women’s 20km race at the championships in Podebrady on May 16.
Also selected is Tonbridge athlete Tom Bosworth, who finished fourth at the event back in 2019 as he led GB to team silver for the first time. He is joined by Callum Wilkinson, of Enfield and Harringay and Cameron Corbishley, of Medway and Maidstone.
Team Leader, Andi Drake, said: “It will be great to see these five athletes competing out in Podebrady at the European Race Walking Team Championships.
“With limited opportunities to compete against the best in Europe over the last year or so, this will be hugely beneficial for these athletes as they prepare for the busy summer ahead.”