DELHI 2010: Davies confident in defence of Commonwealth title

By Sportsbeat staff

DAVID Davies believes he can make up for missing the European Championships by striking gold again for Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

UPBEAT: David Davies is confident he can take on Canada's Ryan Cochrane and defend his Commonwealth 1500m freestyle title (Getty Images)

The two-time Olympic medallist won the 1500m freestyle title and claimed bronze over 400m free in Melbourne four years ago.

He recently quit British Swimming's high performance centre in Loughborough and decided to rejoin childhood coach Dave Haller at City of Cardiff, who guided his career from seven to 22.

He was today named in a 16-strong Welsh swim team for Delhi, which also includes World Championship relay medallist Jaz Carlin - who will go head-to-head with England's Jo Jackson and Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington in the 400m freestyle.

"I'm really looking forward to Delhi. It's the big target for me this year and I'm looking forward to defending my title," said Davies. 

"It's certainly going to be tough and Canada's Ryan Cochrane will be the one to watch. 

"It's a pretty special feeling to represent Wales and there's nothing quite like the Commonwealth Games. 

"The team spirit within the Welsh camp in Melbourne was really motivating."

David Roberts, the 11-time Paralympic champion, is also selected and will seek to upgrade his bronze from four years ago while rising star Sian Morgan, just 15, is the youngest member of a team that also includes brother and sister Robert and Georgia Holderness.

Welsh Swimming performance manager Martyn Woodroffe is confident his team - while smaller in number than the powerful squads sent by England and Scotland - could punch above their weight in India.

"This is Wales' strongest ever swim team to be fielded at a Commonwealth Games," he said. 

"As we are able to call on Olympic and Paralympic medallists, we are in a strong position. As well as experienced swimmers, we also have names to note for the future."

Welsh Commonwealth Games swimming team in full

Jazmin Carlin, David Davies, Georgia Davies, Thomas Haffield, Georgia Holderness, Robert Holderness, Ieuan Lloyd, Sara Lougher, Marco Loughran, Jemma Lowe, Sian Morgan, Jennifer Oldham, David Roberts, Danielle Stirrat, Alys Thomas, Lowri Tynan