The panel aims to:

  • let you connect with fellow athletes
  • be a space to share your current experiences as an athlete
  • support your rights and wellbeing within your sport
  • give feedback on Sport Wales projects

Having athletes’ voices heard is essential. It helps us create positive environments that truly meet the needs of athletes.

You can get in touch with the panel by emailing athlete.panel@sport.wales. They can help you:

  • become an athlete representative for your sport
  • tackle any challenges you're facing in your sport
  • through mentoring and providing resources

The panel welcomes contact in Welsh and will respond in Welsh.

Influence

The panel has:

  • shaped how we provide advice on female athlete health
  • influenced how we gain insight on athlete environments
  • helped produce content for infographics aimed at coaches
  • fed back to us about our approach to mental health
  • highlighted awareness around athlete needs, including safeguarding
  • encouraged sports and national governing bodies to elect an athlete representative

Panel members

Anastasia Blease

Wheelchair basketball player from Denbighshire 

Anastasia playing wheelchair basketball in a sports hall
  • Represents GB Women’s Senior and U25 teams
  • Twice Women’s Premier League champion
  • Silver medallist at Senior European Championships and Junior World Championships 

“I have had ups and downs throughout my career which I believe would be valuable to share. I would love to use these to enhance sport in Wales. And create positive experiences for future athletes.”

Bethan Davies

Race walker from Cardiff

Bethan race walking at the Commonwealth Games in 2022
  • Represented Wales and GB at numerous major championships
  • Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in 20km race walk
  • Holder of multiple Welsh and British records
Georgia Davies

Swimmer from Swansea 

Georgia swimming backstroke
  • Twice represented GB at the Olympics Games
  • World Championship medallist
  • Commonwealth and European champion and former record holder

“To achieve the top level in any sport, it really takes a village! I feel extremely fortunate to have had an incredible amount of support throughout my swimming career. I would love to help the next generation of Welsh athletes achieve their goals.”

Osian Jones

Hammer thrower from Caernarfon

Osian mid swing in the hammer throw at the Commonwealth Games 2022
  • Represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, 2018 and 2022
  • Welsh hammer throw record holder
  • Retired from sport in 2023 and now works as a Community Pharmacist

"I want to share my experiences with the hope of delivering positive changes. Providing better outcomes for the next generation of athletes in Wales."

Tom Matthews

Para table tennis player from Aberdare

Tom playing table tennis
  • Twice represented GB at the Paralympic Games
  • Paralympic bronze medallist in Singles C1
  • World and European Championships medallist

“I want to share my ideas and things I believe in, to make sport more accessible to everyone. I always believe in giving back. With my experience, I hope I can help the next generation of athletes with positive changes.”

Alys Thomas

Swimmer from Swansea

Alys Thomas swimming
  • 12-year career spanning Commonwealth Games, European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games
  • Commonwealth gold medallist in 200m butterfly
  • Retired from sport in 2022 due to injury and now works as a Performance Development Coach

"I’m always looking for opportunities to use my experience and knowledge to give back and inspire. I want to help or motivate other athletes in any situations where they might need support."