Wales rugby international James Botham has shared his support for fiancée Izzy Webb, who is competing at the Commonwealth Games.
Physiotherapist Webb is a member of the Wales women's hockey team and was among the athletes in Birmingham during Thursday night's opening ceremony. Spotting her on TV, Botham posted his support on Instagram, adding: "I love you so much!"
The couple got engaged earlier this summer when Botham popped the question on a fishing trip.
Former Croesyceiliog Comprehensive pupil Webb, 23, represented Wales at youth level and made her senior debut for the national team against Scotland in 2015 at the age of just 16. The 35-times capped player works as a physiotherapist and plays for Clifton Robinsons in the Vitality Women’s Hockey Premier Division.
Speaking about being an elite athlete in a relationship with another elite athlete, she told Sport Wales: “My partner is really understanding of all this and he helps out a lot. He tells me when I’m training too much and to have a rest or if I could push it a bit more. We are obviously active and we do a lot of training together.”
On the challenge ahead at the Commonwealth Games, she said: “We are in the best shape we have been for a long time. We have had a big squad and we have trained well, so we are definitely ready.
“We are hoping to get the best place finish Wales have ever had in a Commonwealth Games, so we are aiming high! It will be my first Commonwealth Games and I can’t wait! I couldn’t be prouder.”
Wales were playing Canada in their opening match on Friday afternoon.
Cardiff flanker Botham has nine caps for the Wales rugby team, but missed out on selection for the summer tour of South Africa. He has, however, impressed in a Welsh jersey before and will be hoping to stay fully fit during the season ahead to challenge for a place in the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup squads.
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