NATASHA Cockram says her dreams have come true after she was selected to run the marathon for Wales at the Commonwealth Games.
The 29-year-old from Cwmbran will race in Birmingham on Saturday, July 30 after being named in the athletics and para-athletics squad.
Cockram, who missed out on the Gold Coast in 2018 having only just started running the 26.2-mile event, prepared for the Games with a personal best when winning Cardiff Half Marathon in March.
She is the Welsh marathon record holder with a best of 2:30:03, won the Newport event in 2018 and last year was the British marathon champion and also won in LA.
"[It's a]Cliché, but dreams do come true," Cockram posted on Instagram. "I am beyond excited to be representing the country at the Commonwealth Games.
"This isn't just a race, this is 18 years of dreaming, working, grinding, triumphs, failures and most importantly 18 years of support from countless people and organisations.
"Croesyceiliog School, my first coach (Dave Lewis), Tony Houchin for getting me back on track after a rocky time at university and to the level even I questioned whether I truly belonged, current coach Robert Hawkins, clubs, university, Welsh Athletics, Sport Wales, sponsors Asics, teammates, friends and family."
Cockram missed out on the Tokyo Olympics after an injury hindered her bid for the qualifying time but now she is set for the big stage.
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