Wales' fastest woman blocked from Commonwealth Games

Wales' fastest woman blocked from Commonwealth GamesImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Brier reached the semi-finals of both 100m and 200m of the 2022 Commonwealth GamesByGareth BaileyBBC Sport WalesPublished1 minute agoCommentsWales' fastest ever woman says it is "crazy" the nation's selection rules mean she cannot compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.Hannah Brier broke a 44-year national record in running 22.79 seconds for the 200m in London on Tuesday.But that time - fast enough to have won bronze at the last Games - was eight days late for Team Wales selection who set a deadline of 17 May.That date is three weeks before that of Team Scotland and four weeks before Team England hopefuls need to qualify.Brier, 28, said she is devastated to miss what is likely to be her last Games, while Welsh Athletics - the sports governing body - said it had raised concerns in March that the deadline was "extremely early" for track and field athletes.In a statement Team Wales said they would not comment on individual cases, adding that their full selection process is published on their website "for full transparency".Sprinter Brier's shock GB call-up transforms holidayPublished27 August 2025GB's Brier 'riding wave' after almost quittingPublished1 March 2024Brier had already run the Commonwealth B standard of 23.07 before the deadline but Team Wales policy is that athletes beat - not just match - that mark for selection.The Swansea Harrier, who also holds the Welsh 100m record, then underlined her status as the fastest Welsh woman of all time by breaking the national 200m record held set by Michelle Scutt in 1982."It's very difficult for us Welsh athletes because we almost have to come out with our absolute A-game in April or May which is crazy when the championships are in August," she told BBC Sport Wales."The standards are tough but relatively fair, but how early the deadline...