From Tragedy to Triumph: Cronin’s Unyielding Spirit

In September 2021, 17-year-old Bree Cronin faced a crossroads when a devastating car accident outside Cardiff Central Station shattered her leg bones and military-athletics career aspirations. Now 22, the rising Welsh star prepares to compete in the F44 discus at her first World Para Athletics Championships (September 26-October 5, New Delhi), marking an extraordinary comeback story.

"I didn’t want to give that dream up – sport taught me to rebuild," Cronin told BBC Sport Wales. "Learning to accept my new normal while chasing medals? That’s my victory lap."

Mental Resilience and Sporting Redemption

Cronin’s journey involved:

• 12-month transition from able-bodied discus to Para-athletics classification
• 2025 British Athletics Championships silver medal behind training partner Funmi Oduwaiye
• Family legacy: Nephew of professional boxer Denys Cronin (Chris Eubank’s 1990 opponent)

Cronin refining her discus technique in Cardiff – Image: Getty Sports

Road to New Delhi: Key Milestones

The Welsh Warrior’s Mindset

Cronin emphasizes psychological growth:

• "My military training helped – but adapting to Para-sport required new mental muscles"
• Weekly regimen includes 15 hours of technical drills + sports psychology sessions
• Targets Paris 2026 Paralympics qualification through World Championships performance

With her sport-mad family (boxers and weightlifters) cheering from Caerphilly, Cronin embodies Wales’ growing Para-sports movement. Her debut could inspire thousands facing similar challenges to embrace adaptive athletics.