After only three years in the sport selection in the Commonwealth Games is a “dream come true” for Penrhyn Bay weightlifter.

Holly Knowles has been selected as part of team Wales and will take part in the 63kg weightlifting division at this year’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia.

The 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength with her weightlifting since taking up the sport three years ago.

In 2017 alone, she has claimed first place in the Welsh Championships – 63kg weight division – and British under 23 championships – 69kg weight division and second in the British University Championships – 63kg A class.

But despite these recent results Knowles said the selection for the Commonwealth Games, which will take place from April 4 - 15, still came as a “massive shock”.

She said: “Myself, my coach and my family were all working towards going to the 2022 games so this is just massive to me.

“Anyone who knows me will know how much going to the commonwealth means to me.

“Going to the Games is something that I’ve aimed for in every sport I’ve done however never did I think weightlifting would be the sport I actually achieved the goal.

“For this opportunity to come around so fast having only been in the sport around 3 years, is honestly a dream come true.”

She made the shift in weight classes from 63kg to 69kg earlier this year having not been able to crack into the Commonwealth Games squad at the lower weight.

But after narrowly missing selection in the 69kg category she has now been a last minute call up in the class she started 2017 in - the 63kg.

As well as continuing her regular training she will also take part in camps with other Welsh athletes in the February and March in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games.

Knowles remained optimistic about her chance in Australia.

She said: "I always go into competitions wanting to achieve personal bests, win medals and everything else that comes with competing; it's why we do it, but at the end of the day you never know what's going to happen.

"I have to be realistic but determined, this is the biggest competition to date and so early on in my career.

"I feel I perform well under pressure and I'm never going to say never to anything - everything's possible. Overall I just want to work hard and enjoy the process."

Weightlifting Wales sports manager Simon Roach added: “Holly Knowles has made exceptional progress since taking up the sport and I wish her every success in her build up to the Games.”