Welsh hurdler Rogers eyes Commonwealth Games berth

By Robert Doman

WELSH hurdler Megan Rogers is gearing up for the year ahead as she keeps one eye on the forthcoming 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

After capping off the 2009 season by retaining her Under-17s British 300m hurdles title, Rogers is now turning her attentions to the 400m equivalent as she makes the step the Under-20 level.

And with places in the Welsh Commonwealth team still up for grabs, she also has designs on making an appearance at one of the athletics world's most renowned sporting events.

"I haven't given up hope of being selected for the Welsh team flying out to compete at this year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi, so I have plenty of hard work ahead of me this year as well," she said.

"I'm now making the step up to the Under-20's category which means that I will be running the 400m distance, so that is a new challenge."

"2009 was a difficult year, but I also really enjoyed it. I was injured at the beginning and I had to get back on track, so I was forced to miss two months of competition whilst I recovered.

"By the time of the Celtic Games in Carmarthen, in August, I felt as though I was getting back into my stride, and although I didn't get the time I was looking for, it proved to me that I was back on track."

The 2008 Welsh Female Junior Athlete of the year the was firmly set on retaining her Under-17s British title at the English AAA Championships in Bedford, which she duly did, coming home in 43.19 seconds, just short a personal best.

"At Bedford it was really nerve racking. I wasn't sure if I would win again after the injury, but I wanted to give a good account of myself," she added.

"Standing on the podium and hearing the announcer say that I was retaining my title was definitely the highlight of the year for me."

And while the 16-year-old, who is currently working towards her A-Levels, wouldn't be drawn on her chances of competing at the 2012 London Olympics, she couldn't help but smile at the prospect.

"I would love to put myself in contention for The Games," added Rogers.