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Monday, August 18, 2008, 09:00
With three gold medals and one silver, the Dragon has certainly been roaring in Beijing.
With Geraint Thomas yesterday winning gold in the team pursuit in the Laoshan Velodrome, the Sport Council for Wales toasted the success of the nation's Olympians.
"We have seen Geraint mature from a young teenager into a world-class rider," said Dr Huw Jones, chief executive of the SCW.
"His success this year as world champion in the team pursuit is now capped with Olympic champion. To do this in such record-breaking style is outstanding.
"The efforts from our athletes have been magnificent. Wales can be so proud of the sportsmen and women flying the flag in Beijing. What's more, the majority of the Welsh contingent are of a young age, which means they may well compete in London 2012."
Of Wales's four Olympic medallists so far, Nicole Cooke is the oldest at 25. Dr Jones also pointed to the fact that 18-year-old swimmer Jemma Lowe finished just outside the medals in an agonizing fourth place in the 100m medley relay.
"It has been an exceptional Games for the Welsh contingent and I commend the athletes, their coaches and also their governing bodies who have worked so hard.
"These medals have not been won in the last week. They have been won over a period of 10 years as that is how long it takes to produce a world-class athlete.
"Success means investment and support from the Welsh Assembly Government, and the National Lottery is instrumental in making sure that Wales enjoys sporting success at the very highest levels.
"As world-class sport is now more competitive than ever before, we are optimistic that the support is set to continue."
Dr Jones said that the Beijing Olympics have added to what has been a vintage year for Welsh sport and said there is plenty more to look forward to: "It really has been a fantastic year for Welsh sport. Olympics aside, we can boast success in the Grand Slam, with Joe Calzaghe and also in football with Swansea City being promoted and Cardiff City reaching the FA Cup final. We also expect further honours from our sportsmen and women at the Paralympics next month.
"Sporting success lifts a nation. It also serves as inspiration to young people and hopefully success on the podium can encourage children to get involved in sport and physical activity, whether it's for competition or recreation."
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