Dyfed Schools Athletics has congratulated its athletes who were selected to represent Wales at the SIAB Schools Cross Country International and London Mini Marathon, which were both called off due to the coronavirus crisis.

A total of 13 Dyfed athletes, including two reserves, had been selected for their country from the counties of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, following their excellent performances at the national and inter-district championships, held at Pembrey and Brecon.

The SIAB Schools Cross Country International was set to be staged at Callendar Park in Falkirk, Scotland, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, whilst the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon has been postponed until 4 October.

Welsh Athletics have kindly distributed the national team kit to each and every athlete selected, and Dyfed Schools officials expressed congratulations to all the runners selected.“Well done to the athletes who were selected to represent Wales at SIAB and the London Mini Marathon. We’re sure they will have their opportunity again over the coming years at junior and senior level," said a Dyfed Schools spokesperson.“Six of the 13 had already represented Wales either in cross country or track and field previously, but for the other seven, this would have been their very first opportunity to compete at International level in these big annual events.

“Our congratulations go to all the athletes from Dyfed Schools who were getting ready to either make their debut or represent Wales for another year. Also, our thanks go to the club coaches, parents and clubs for their support in getting them there and to this stage."A team of 40 athletes from across the eight Welsh districts were selected to represent the Association in Scotland, following the Welsh Schools National Cross Country Championships, held at Brecon on 11 March. The first eight finishers in the junior and middle age groups were guaranteed a place in the squad, with two reserves also named on standby.Despite the disappointment of that event being cancelled in 2020, Wales' athletes will look forward to hosting the SIAB International on home turf next year.A team of 36 athletes and eight reserves from the eight Welsh districts were selected to represent their country in London, following the Welsh Athletics Cross Country Championships, held at Pembrey Country Park on 22 February. The first six finishers in the Under 13s, 15s and 17s were guaranteed a place in the squad, with two reserves also named on standby.The Dyfed Schools athletes selected for the SIAB International were Junior Boys: Finlay Tarling (Aberaeron); Zach Elvy (Bro Myrddin); Iwan Thomas (Glan y Mor); Ifan Bowen (Reserve, Bro Myrddin). Junior Girls: Mila Blackwell (Reserve, Greenhill). Middle Boys: Adam Beer (Glan y Mor); Dafydd Jones (Bro Myrddin); Frank Morgan (Bro Myrddin); Rhys Llewellyn (Haverfordwest High); Iori Humphreys (Harri Tudor); Liam Edwards (Bro Myrddin).

The Dyfed Schools athletes selected for the London Mini Marathon were: Under 13s Boys: Iwan Thomas (Glan y Mor); Rhys Caygill (Preseli); Macsen Toogood (Bro Dinefwr); Ifan Bowen (Bro Myrddin). Under 15s Boys: Frank Morgan (Bro Myrddin); Rhys Llewellyn (Haverfordwest High). Under 17s Boys: Adam Beer (Glan y Mor).