WORCESTER runner Jenny Nesbitt will get a second shot at Commonwealth glory this summer after being selected to represent Wales at the 2022 Birmingham Games.

It will be her second appearance at the prestigious event, having competed in Australia back in 2018 on the Gold Coast.

Unlike last time, Nesbitt will have plenty of time to prepare, having only received the call-up 72 hours before the flight to Australia four years ago.

"I didn’t expect to be going until three days before the flight to Australia.

"A marathon runner unfortunately had to pull out with injury so they asked me if I’d come. So I had to quickly sort my flight out to Australia to join the holding camp on Sunshine Beach.

"The atmosphere was incredible; I’ll never forget walking into that stadium. It was so loud and I was absolutely crapping my pants. I took a lot away from that and how to approach a major Champs and how to keep calm under pressure."

Originally from Worcester, Nesbitt will compete in the 5000 metres event in what will almost certainly feel like a home Games. And she aims to impress family, friends and former coaches with a top six or top eight finish.

She has been busy training in the United States this year after a "breakthrough race” in February. Running an indoor 5k in Boston, she achieved a new personal best of more than 12 seconds, breaking the Welsh record. It also saw her safely achieve the Commonwealth Games qualifying standard.

"I gained a lot of confidence from that and I ran another 5k outdoors with another personal best, running a couple of seconds quicker (15:17) and a personal best over the 1500m which is my nemesis event," she added.

"It kind of all came together and I’m really pleased with my performances on the track this year."

Team Wales revealed on Wednesday that 126 athletes will compete across both the Games and the Paralympic Games.

Welsh Athletics National Coach, Chris Jones said:"Welsh athletes faced the toughest ever selection criteria for Birmingham 2022, so I am delighted to confirm 22 athletes will be joining Team Wales from athletics.

"I am proud that the work and dedication of the whole team has been recognised by this selection and I am excited to see how the athletes perform.

"Within the team we have a great mix of experienced athletes who will be returning for their second and third Commonwealth Games combined with 11 athletes who will be making their debuts at Birmingham."