CWMBRAN’S Weightlifting Wales performance director Neil Taylor has hailed the “remarkable” Gareth Evans for his gold medal-winning performance at the Commonwealth Games.

Former lifter Taylor, 51, who won bronze in Edinburgh 32 years ago, reckons Evans’ success will encourage more people to take up the sport.

Evans posted a total of 299kg to take first place in the men’s -69kg division, with Sri Lanka’s Indika Mudiyanselage second and India’s Deepak Lather third.

Taylor, currently with Team Wales on the Gold Coast, watched in delight as Evans won the principality’s first gold of this year’s Commonwealths.

“Gareth is coached and mentored by 1986 Commonwealth Games weightlifting gold medallist Ray Williams,” said Taylor.

“Ray’s also head coach for Weightlifting Wales and it’s an absolute honour to be part of his coaching team.

“Gareth has been an outstanding example of how an elite athlete prepares for a major games.

“His attention to detail with his training, coupled with aggressive recovery strategies, came to fruition with his gold medal.

“Never have I seen a more determined weightlifter compete for the title at a Commonwealth Games and I’m fortunate to have been involved in four.

“He truly is remarkable. I’ve no doubt that what Gareth achieved here will encourage more young people to take up the sport with a hope of following in his footsteps.”