Hero’s welcome as Ellie Bowen returns from Commonwealth Games with personal best

A 17-year-old athlete who described making her Commonwealth Games debut as the best day of her life, received a hero’s welcome when she returned to her home in Abertridwr.

Friends, family, and neighbours, cheered and waved Welsh flags for Ellie Bowen, who came a creditable fifth in the women’s F57 seated shot put final – throwing a personal best of 6.48m in Glasgow.

Ellie was just 13 months old when she was diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis, a rare bacterial infection which destroys the tissue beneath skin.

While there were fears that she could lose her life, Ellie survived with her right leg amputated.

The teenager, who trains with Cardiff Archers and is coached by Josh Clark, was one of ten athletes making their Commonwealth debut for Team Wales.

Her international appearance comes after she considered stepping away from the sport two years ago.

Speaking before the games, she admitted she “felt like giving up” in 2024 but continued training to secure her breakthrough performance.

Ellie began her sporting career in wheelchair racing in 2018 after attending a Disability Sport Wales open day in Cardiff, where she was spotted by the late performance director Anthony Hughes.

She transitioned to seated throwing events shortly before the Covid pandemic, and entered her first competition in July 2022.

Most of her family made the journey to Scotland to witness Ellie’s achievement, including parents Martin and Ann.

Martin said: “It was absolutely amazing – the experience of a lifetime. The atmosphere was unbelievable. It was just so surreal to be honest. It was just unbelievable being in that sort of environment.”

Martin also highlighted just how much hard work Ellie has put in to reach the Commonwealth Games: “From day one, she’s worked right the way through. She’s worked so hard from the very start and has grown and grown. We’re so proud of her.”

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer on her homecoming, Ellie said: “It’s been crazy. My dream since I was a child has been to represent Wales.

“It’s just been absolutely great to be honest. I can’t really describe it in words. I loved every minute there.

“It was just a dream that I never imagined I’d be a part of, and to be a part of that was absolutely amazing.”

Discussing her performance in Glasgow, Ellie said: “I wasn’t expecting a personal best. I was just going out there to represent Wales. I couldn’t be more happy – I did the best I could do.”

But Ellie said it was great to come home to “amazing people” and added: “I’m just so grateful for everyone.”

When asked if she had ambitions to compete at future Commonwealth Games or even the Paralympics, Ellie said: “The Paralympics would be an amazing achievement and an even bigger dream.

“I’m going to keep going and see where I end up.”

Emma Winter taught Ellie at Senghenydd’s Nant y Parc Primary School and was there to see the athlete return home.

She said: “I’m so proud of her. With her attitude and outlook on life, she’s unbelievable. She’s an inspiration. She changed my life as a teacher and my outlook on things. She’s just absolutely amazing.”