CONNOR Swan loved his first taste of international athletics so much that he cannot wait to enjoy more of the same next year, writes Kevin Fahey.
The 17-year-old Cornwall AC member from Connor Downs, near Hayle, made his first appearance for Wales at the weekend in the Celtic International Games at Colwyn Bay, in north Wales.
He acquitted himself creditably with second place in the javelin and afterwards said it was a great moment when he pulled on the Wales vest for the first time.
"I was nervous but also excited at the same time but the competition went well and I was very happy with the way I performed.
"The team managers told me I fully deserved to be in the competition and were also happy with how I did in my event. It wasn't my best ever throw but it wasn't bad."
Swan's athletics season is now winding down and the South West Schools' champion is switching his energies to pre-season training for Truro College's rugby first XV but he won't be neglecting his javelin over the winter months.
"Hopefully this (his debut for Wales) will be the first of many and next year a realistic aim is to get into the Wales Under 20 team," added Swan.
"That is what will keep me motivated to keep training throughout the winter."
To complete a successful weekend for Swan he turned out for Cornwall AC in the South West League Cup on Sunday and won the senior men's javelin.
Truro junior international Annabel Gummow made her comeback on Saturday finishing fourth in the 3,000m at the UK Women's League Division Three match at Bedford as she helped Bristol & West AC clinch promotion.
Gummow's time of 10mins 13.37secs was well outside her best but it was not only her first track race of the summer but also her first competition for two months so represents an encouraging sign that her recent problems are now behind her.
