Will Bishop proving what's possible in Cardiff Met's performance environment

For many athletes, reaching the highest level in one sport is the ultimate goal. For Cardiff Met student-athlete Will Bishop, success has come through excelling across two.

Balancing the demands of athletics and wheelchair basketball, Bishop has established himself as one of Cardiff Met's most versatile athletes, with his recent selection for Team Wales' 3x3 wheelchair basketball squad for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games marking another significant milestone in an impressive sporting journey.

His story is one of ambition, opportunity and making the most of the environment around him.

Before arriving at Cardiff Met, Bishop had already represented Wales at the Commonwealth Youth Games in para athletics. Since joining the University's performance pathway, he has continued to develop both on the track and on the basketball court, benefiting from the support network, facilities and expertise available within Cardiff Met Sport.

Speaking during Cardiff Met's King's Baton Relay celebrations, Bishop reflected on how far he has come since arriving at the University.

"It means absolutely everything to be here today," he said.

"The 3x3 wheelchair basketball programme has secured a wildcard place for the Games, which is super exciting. The squad itself hadn't quite been selected yet, but just being here next to the Commonwealth team made it feel like a reality."

For Bishop, Cardiff Met has played an important role in that progression.

"Before coming to Cardiff Met, I did the Commonwealth Youth Games for para athletics, and now I've been with the performance pathway at Cardiff Met. I've come on leaps and bounds through Cardiff Met and now potentially finishing that journey with the senior Commonwealth Games is just amazing."

The ability to pursue two sports at a high level is no easy task, but Cardiff Met's high-performance environment has helped Bishop continue to develop across multiple disciplines.

From access to world-class training facilities and performance services to specialist coaching and strength and conditioning support, the University's integrated approach allows athletes to maximise their potential while balancing the demands of university life.

Bishop's achievements are a strong example of what is possible when talent, determination and opportunity come together. They also reflect Cardiff Met's wider ambition to be recognised as Wales' Sporting University, creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive and pursue their sporting ambitions on national and international stages.

While representing Wales at a Commonwealth Games is now on the horizon, Bishop remains grounded in the advice he gives to aspiring young athletes.

"Just try everything," he said.

"Take every opportunity you can, and I've ended up here, so you never know where you can go."

It is a simple message, but one that perfectly captures Bishop's journey so far. From competing in para athletics as a youngster to becoming a dual-sport athlete within Cardiff Met's performance system and earning the opportunity to represent Wales on one of sport's biggest stages, he continues to demonstrate what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and a willingness to embrace every opportunity that comes your way.

Interview by Fathema Khatun, MSc Sport Broadcast Student, Article written by Damian Burgess, Digital Media and Marketing Officer at Cardiff Met Sport