Morse has chance of 2012 glory (From Penarth Times)

Morse has chance of 2012 glory

10:59am Thursday 26th July 2012 in Sport By Chris Seal

 

PENARTH’S Olympic star Brett Morse has been hailed as ‘world class’ by the chief of Welsh Athletics.

Discus thrower Brett, who was recently chosen as one of the five Welsh athletes to compete in the London 2012 Olympics, is now hoping to make his mark on the world stage.

"He’s a world class athlete and is young for a thrower," said Matt Newman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Welsh Athletics.

"They tend to mature at an older age, in their late 20s or early 30s, so he has plenty of time to develop."

He added: "He fully deserves his selection on the back of his performances over recent months.

"If he realises the potential we know he has, he’s got a good chance of doing really well."

Mr Newman also praised the efforts of the Welsh athletes that have qualified for Team GB, with Brett sharing the limelight with the likes of Dai Greene, Christian Malcolm, Rhys Williams and Gareth Warburton.

"The stature of Welsh Athletics is better than it’s ever been across all the disciplines," added Mr Newman.

"We can feel the excitement building ahead of the London Olympics."

It comes after both Brett and 800 metres runner Warburton featured in the Welsh Athletics International at the Cardiff International Sports Stadium on July 18, ahead of competing at the Olympics which kicked off at the Millennium Stadium yesterday (July 25).

"Having the event the week before the Olympic opening ceremony made it even more real for people living in Cardiff, the Vale and surrounding areas," said Mr Newman.

Brett, 23, is eagerly anticipating the Olympics, where he will compete in the qualifiers for the discus on August 6.

"I’m excited and can’t wait for it to begin now," he said.

He added that it had been ‘pretty crazy’ since he had been selected in the GB Olympic squad.

"My phone has been going non stop!" he said. "My friends and family have been calling me to say congratulations. I’ve even had media people knocking at my door.

"My mum was like ‘why is there a media crew at my door?’"

Brett added that he was now aiming for his training to peak at the Olympics.

"My last few weeks have been very good," he said. Training has been focusing on speed and power now, as I am trying to get really sharp." Brett added that it was a ‘massive relief’ to be selected in the GB Olympic squad, as he had been worried about reaching the qualifying standard this season.

"I was throwing very far in training, but I think I was thinking too much about the Olympic selection," he said.

"I was really stressed out by selection and had a new coach and set up too.

"He’s the greatest coach in the world though, and coaches the current champion from 2008."

Brett added that he was looking forward to competing in the Olympic stadium.

"I have already competed there in an Olympics test event," he said.

"Competing there with a full crowd will be amazing though and a totally different atmosphere."

Brett Morse was joined at the Olympic Rings outside Cardiff City Hall by Warburton, who qualified for the Olympics by appeal after he narrowly missed out on initial selection.

He said that he was ‘bitterly disappointed’ not to get into the original Olympic squad, but is now looking forward to competing.

"I’m going there to enjoy it and do a job and run the best I can," he said.