By Paul Jones

Nicola Phillips has said she believes the 2022 Commonwealth Games will be special as nations re-group after a year dealing with the global pandemic.

Phillips – who has been appointed as Wales’ chef de mission for the second Games in succession – says her aim is to ensure Welsh athletes perform to the peak of their abilities in Birmingham next summer following months of disruption.

The Cardiff University professor of physiotherapy will be trying to ensure Wales build on their achievements of 2018 at the Gold Coast in Australia, where the team won 36 medals – including 10 golds – to make their most successful Commonwealth Games.

She said: “I am very happy to have been named Chef de Mission for Team Wales for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“It’s a huge honour and I’m really excited to be part of the Team Wales family as we help create an environment for our athletes to perform the best they possibly can.”

“I think Birmingham could be a very special Games where once again, the Commonwealth Nations can come together to celebrate sport after too long of being apart. Roll on next year.”

Commonwealth Games Wales chief executive Chris Jenkins said: “Nicki has a rich history of working on both Commonwealth and Olympic Games, and her knowledge and experience means she continues to be an incredible asset to us.

“Usually, at this time of year we would be seeing our athletes training, competing and trying to qualify for Games’ selection. But due to the ongoing restrictions as a result of COVID-19, this hasn’t been possible.

“However, we at Commonwealth Games Wales continue to do all that we can to ensure our athletes, coaches, national governing bodies, and family and friends all feel supported in the lead up to the next Games.”

Birmingham is scheduled to host the Commonwealth Games from July 28 to August 8, 2022.