A DAUGHTER of Llanidloes will lead Wales in the opening ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi on Sunday, (October 3).
Michaela Breeze, 31, a reigning Commonwealth champion, will lead the 175-strong Wales squad in her final tournament, in her last act before retirement.
Michaela (right) is the daughter of John Edward Breeze of Llanidloes and the Welsh captain has spoken of her pride at her Montgomeryshire roots.
“No-one will be more proud of me being captain of Team Wales than my dad, John, who was born and brought up in Llanidloes,” she said. “We are both fiercely proud of our Welsh heritage.
"To lead your country at a major event like this is an amazing honour. It will be the ultimate way to finish my career as an international weightlifter.”
Breeze is a two-time Olympian and hopes to retain her 63kg Commonwealth Games title in Delhi.
Team Wales bosses had a number of experienced and world-class athletes to chose from to take over from Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey Thompson.
Breeze got the nod ahead of Olympic road race champion Nicole Cooke, European 400m hurdles champion Dai Greene, European sprint silver medallist Christian Malcolm and Commonwealth champion swimmer David Davies.
Llanidloes-based cousin John Breeze said: “There is a long line of Breezes in Llanidloes and she is one of them - each and everyone one of us are very proud of what she has achieved.
“Her father, John Edward Breeze, was born and brought up in Llanidloes, as was her grandfather, John Hafren Breeze, and although Michaela has spent most of her time in and around London she still considers herself a proud Welsh woman.
“Her father was actually a very good athlete too and I guess that is where she gets it from, although he was a sprinter and she was encouraged to go into something much different.”
Team Wales chef de mission and Commonwealth Games Council for Wales director Chris Jenkins added: “Not only is Michaela a great competitor, but she also has an incredible ability to motivate and bring people together.
“When she’s not training or in competition she’s busy talking to other athletes whatever their sport. We have every confidence she will make a first-class team captain for Wales in 2010.”