THREE British records and four Welsh records fell during Gareth Evans' bid for a Commonwealth Games medal last Friday - but the Holyhead weightlifter fell agonisingly short of a podium place.

The 28 year-old smashed his previous personal best of 256kg in the Clyde auditorium in Glasgow, with a best snatch lift of 118kg and a clean and jerk of 150kg.

Despite the monumental effort, Gareth found himself just three kilograms short of a medal in the 62kg mens category as he eventually finished fifth.
He said: “I was hoping to perform a bit better to be honest. When it comes down to it, three kilos is nothing. I think I could have performed a little bit better on the snatch, but that’s how it went on the day.

“Everyone here who came to watch from Team Wales have been fantastic, staff and team mates have been fantastic, and friends and family from Anglesey came to watch me too.”

Gareth, who is coached by ex-Commonwealth gold medalist Ray Williams at Holyhead and Anglesey Weightlifting and Fitness Centre, now has his sights set on funding for the World Championships taking place in Kazakhstan in
November.

For now though, he says he will stay in Glasgow to enjoy the remainder of the games.

He added: “I’m having a week or two off now, but I’m hoping to go to Kazakhstan this year.

“I blew away the British qualifying standard, so hopefully they can’t not take me now.

“Ray’s support has been absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t ask for a better coach, he motivates me, gives me confidence and works brilliant programmes for me.

“I wouldn’t say I’m at my potential yet, but he’s helped me realise that up to now.”