Team Wales Shines at 2024 School Games with 3 Golds & a Bronze in Wheelchair Tennis
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Team Wales has delivered an outstanding performance in wheelchair tennis at the 2024 School Games, held at the prestigious Loughborough University from Friday, August 30th to Sunday, September 1st.
Demonstrating incredible talent and resilience, the Welsh team secured an impressive haul of 3 out of the 5 available gold medals in the event, finishing on all but one podium. This incredible achievement underscores the strength of the team and their potential for future success in the sport.
The School Games, which began in 2006, have a history of showcasing future sporting stars. The event has served as a launching pad for many athletes who have gone on to achieve international success, including Team GB and Paralympics GB athletes competing in Paris, such as Hannah Cockroft, Adam Peaty, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, and Dina Asher-Smith.
Under the guidance of coaches Will Croft and Emily Jordan, the five-member Team Wales demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament. Their efforts culminated in a remarkable three gold medals and one bronze, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
The Girls Singles saw a standout performance from Lilly Folland, who captured the gold medal with a commanding 4-0, 4-2 victory in the final against Lucy Foyster-Edwards. Imogen Ashwell-Rice also competed fiercely, reaching the semi-finals before a hard-fought match against Foyster-Edwards left her finishing 4th overall. Both athletes demonstrated tremendous skill and determination throughout the competition.
In the Boys Singles competition, McKenzie O'Reilly led the way for Team Wales by securing a bronze medal. O'Reilly displayed remarkable composure in his match against Brady Chambers winning 4-2, 4-3(5) to claim the third-place spot. Despite strong efforts, Evan Hansen and Cameron Hudd faced tough challenges early on, with Hansen exiting in the first round against Melvil Vedrenne-Cloquet and Hudd being knocked out by eventual 4th place finisher Brady Chambers.
The Girls Doubles competition was a major success for Team Wales, with Lilly Folland and Imogen Ashwell-Rice teaming up to win the gold medal in a round-robin style tournament. Their seamless collaboration on the court and consistent performances throughout the event secured them the top spot and added to Wales' impressive medal tally.
In the Boys Doubles event, McKenzie O'Reilly and Evan Hansen formed a strong partnership, advancing to the quarter-finals. Despite their best efforts, they were eventually defeated by the team that would go on to win the bronze medal.
In the Mixed Doubles, McKenzie O'Reilly and Lilly Folland proved to be an unbeatable duo, clinching the gold medal with their outstanding synergy and determination. This victory marked Folland's third gold medal of the tournament, solidifying her position as one of the standout performers for Team Wales.
Coaches Will Croft and Emily Jordan praised the athletes for their unwavering determination and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. "The team's performance this year has been nothing short of inspiring. They have shown incredible skill, and their achievements here at the School Games are a testament to their dedication and hard work," said Croft.
Team Wales' success at the 2024 School Games marks another milestone in the development of wheelchair tennis in Wales, and the future looks bright for these young athletes as they continue to pursue their sporting dreams.
