Brier calls for change after Games heartache

Sprinter Hannah Brier has called for change after being left "devastated" to miss out on representing Team Wales at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The 28-year-old cemented her status as the fastest Welsh woman of all time on 25 May, breaking Wales' long-standing 200m record with a time of 22.79 seconds at the Stratford Speed Grand Prix in London.

However, she was blocked from competing at the Games in Glasgow this summer as her time was recorded eight days after the Team Wales deadline for selection.

Writing on social media,, external Brier stated her life has been a "blur" in addition to admitting she had concluded that "nothing can be done" after she explored "every possible avenue" in an attempt to reverse the decision.

"Representing Wales for the last 14 years of my life, since the age of 14, has become part of who I am," she said.

"Anyone who knows me knows how deeply passionate I am about my country."

Brier added: "Things need to change, and I hope that my story will spark meaningful conversations and positive change within our policies - so that future athletes never find themselves in the same position.

"I'm not alone in this. Several other highly talented Welsh athletes worked tirelessly to achieve the qualifying standards, yet despite their efforts and achievements, were ultimately not selected for the Games."

Welsh Athletics - the sport's governing body - said it had raised concerns in March that the deadline was "extremely early" for track and field athletes.

Swansea Harrier Brier, who also holds the Welsh 100m record, had run the Commonwealth B standard of 23.07 before the deadline but Team Wales policy is that athletes beat - not just match - that mark for selection.

"To the young athletes coming through Welsh sport, keep chasing your dreams relentlessly," Brier added.

"There will be setbacks, disappointments and moments when the odds seem stacked against you, but never let that diminish your belief in what you are capable of achieving.

"Your hard work, dedication and passion matter. Keep showing up, keep striving for excellence and keep believing that your moment will come.

"Diolch o galon (thank you from the heart). Still here. Yma o hyd."