David Roberts and Tom Haffield officially named for Delhi. 27 August 2010

Tom Haffield (City of Cardiff Swim Club) and David Roberts (Caerphilly County Swim Club) are among the 16 swimmers named today in what has been described as Wales’ strongest ever swim squad to be sent to a Commonwealth Games.

Beijing Olympian Tom Haffield, based in Cardiff said:

“I can’t wait to go to the Games now, it’s only 4 weeks until we leave. It will be my second Commonwealth Games, so I know what it’s about and I’ll be starting as Commonwealth record holder.

“There will be a bit of pressure and some nerves – but I’m really looking forward to the Challenge! I’m just aiming to go out there and give it my absolute best, hopefully that will mean coming home with a medal.”

Four years ago in Melbourne, Team Wales took three medals from the pool. David Roberts added to the Melbourne medal tally with Bronze in the 100m freestyle. He is looking to complete a Commonwealth hat-trick after picking up Bronze medals in Melbourne 2006 and Manchester 2002.

“I’m really happy to be given the chance to represent Wales. It will definitely be the toughest challenge of my career as I will be swimming against a category less disabled than myself in Delhi. By rights I shouldn’t really be quick enough to compete against S8 swimmers and this will be a first as the medals will be decided on first touch, rather than racing against the world record time for our category.

“After winning the 100m freestyle at the World Champs, I am very happy with my progress only two years out from the start of the London 2012 Games. It has been a very challenging 12 months with illness and injury but it’s great to be back competing.”