Rio 2016 champion Hollie Arnold is the headline name in the Welsh team ©Getty Images

Rio 2016 champion Hollie Arnold and Paralympic Games medallists Olivia Breen and Beverley Jones are among the first six athletes chosen on Wales' Para athletics team at Gold Coast 2018.

Arnold, who has three world titles to her name, won the gold medal in the women's javelin F46 for Britain at last year's Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Women's T38 runner Breen, a two-time world champion, claimed a relay bronze medal at London 2012 and Jones clinched discus F37 bronze at the same Games.

Jones is also a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist after she finished third in the EAD 100 metres race at Melbourne 2006.

James Ledger, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Rhys Jones and Morgan Jones have been selected to compete for Wales in the 100m events in the T12, T37 and T47 classifications respectively.

Olivia Breen, right, has also been chosen to represent Wales at Gold Coast 2018 ©Getty Images
Olivia Breen, right, has also been chosen to represent Wales at Gold Coast 2018 ©Getty Images

"Congratulations to the Para athletes who have been selected to represent team Wales in athletics at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games," Commonwealth Games Wales chairwoman Helen Phillips said. 

"They have all achieved great results on the international sporting stage, and we look forward to seeing them make Wales proud once again next year. 

"Being chosen for team Wales is testament to their commitment, passion and dedication and also the excellent support of their coaches, families, Disability Sport Wales and Welsh Athletics."

The Para-sport programme at Gold Coast 2018 is set to be the largest in the history of the Commonwealth Games, according to organisers.

Around 300 Para-athletes will compete at the Games, due to be held from April 4 to 15, a 45 per cent rise compared with the previous edition of the event at Glasgow 2014. 

Para-triathlon will make its Commonwealth Games debut on the Gold Coast, while athletics will include the T54 marathon for the first time.

Swimming, lawn bowls, powerlifting, track cycling and table tennis will also be on the programme.