Hannah Cockroft (coach: Jenni Banks, club: Leeds) and Aled Davies (Ryan Spencer-Jones, Cardiff) have been voted co-captains by their teammates of the ParalympicsGB athletics team for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Hannah Cockroft is a five-time Paralympic champion and will be gunning for more gold in Japan as she competes in the women’s T34 100m and 200m.

Welshman, Aled Davies, won gold in Rio five years ago to add to his illustrious list of career titles, and he will be defending his title in the men’s F63 shot put which begins on Saturday 4 September.

With a week to go until the athletics programme gets underway at Tokyo 2020, this is another key milestone in the countdown.

On receiving the call to be named team captain, Hannah Cockroft MBE said:

“It’s a massive honour to be named team captain alongside Aled for the 2020 Paralympic athletics team, especially as it’s a title now chosen by our teammates. Knowing they see me in a leading position is a massive privilege and I can’t thank them all enough. I cannot wait to lead this incredible team out into my third Paralympic Games.

“We have a strong combination of experience and fresh faces in this team and even here in the holding camp, the dynamic is the most supportive and friendly team I have ever been a part of. I can’t wait until we can show the world what we have all been working so hard on over the last five years and most importantly and impressively, the last 18 months. I know we are the strongest we have been in a long time.”

Aled Davies MBE commented:

“It’s an absolute honour to be selected as captain, especially by my teammates.

“Over the last year I’ve been so inspired by how everyone has adapted, evolved and overcome so many obstacles. This team is the greatest para athletics team in the world, we’re feared and envied, so my message to them is to embrace it, enjoy it and do yourself proud.”

Para Athletics Head Coach, Paula Dunn MBE, said:

“It was a pleasure to tell both Hannah and Aled that they had been selected as female and male captains by their teammates. To be chosen by your peers is extra special, and I know these two role models will lead by example and be excellent captains to represent the athletics squad in Tokyo. They bring great experience and professionalism to the role, so I wish them all the best in the role.”

“Hannah and Aled have been ever-present and valuable members of British teams over the last decade. We all experienced our first Games at London 2012, so it has been a pleasure to watch and support their journeys over the last few years, from coming through the junior ranks to seeing them achieve all they have done both on and off the track. I am very proud to be their Head Coach; they are two great people who will thrive in the captain role.”