VALE ROYAL Athletic Club’s Stevie Stockton has switched allegiances to Wales in a bid to secure a dream ticket to next year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi, writes Nick Webster.

The 20-year-old, who claimed silver over 1,500m at both the British Universities and College Sport (BUCS) Championships and England U23s Championships, qualifies for Wales through her St Asaph-born mum, Nicola.

“I’ve sent off a letter and my birth certificate and they’re well up for it,” said Stockton, was speaking at the latest On Camp with Kelly get-together, supported by Aviva.

“I’m really excited about the prospect of going there”

The Crewe-born athlete has taken almost ten seconds off her 1,500m personal best this year to leave it standing at 4:14.37, and nearly two off her 800m best as well.

And Stockton, who is in the second year of a sports science degree at the University of Loughborough, is desperate to make the step up to the world stage in India next October.

“The qualifying time is 4:11, which obviously wasn’t out of reach last season,” added Stockton.

“The Welsh national championships were only won in around 4:30, so they need some good runners in their team.

“Hopefully it will all come together and I’ll be really proud to run for them.

“I have to do the Welsh Championships just to show my face and then get the time to make sure I’m qualified.”

Last weekend Stockton’s blossoming career was further boosted as she joined 45 other On Camp with Kelly youngsters in Birmingham for a cooking masterclass with celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott.

The day-long get-together, organised by Dame Kelly Holmes, was designed to help teach athletes and young people attending university about the importance of good nutrition for physical and mental performance.

Stockton added: “My season went really well and I was pleased with my personal bests but I’ve definitely still got a 4:10 in the bag.

“I also had a small tear in my calf in June and my coach didn’t want me to rehab it too much as I was in the middle of the season.

“It meant I peaked too late and I didn’t end up qualifying for the European U23s Championships, which was quite annoying.

“The championship was only won in 4.14 as well so that just added to my annoyance.”

Aviva have been supporting On Camp with Kelly since 2004, providing the next generation of middle distance runners with the unique opportunity to be better prepared to reach their sporting goals.