Gethin Jones Departs BBC Morning Live for New Glasgow Role, Chris Hoy Advises
Gethin Jones has departed BBC Morning Live temporarily to assume a new Glasgow role as Team Wales’ chef de mission. The Commonwealth Games open on July 23 and Jones, 48, was appointed to the position last year.
Presenting cover on Morning Live
Jones normally co-hosts the show with Helen Skelton. His absence this week saw Skelton joined by Rav Wilding.
Other stand-ins included Holly Hamilton, Gordon Smart and former Olympian Greg Rutherford. The programme has continued with rotating hosts during his commitment in Scotland.
Chef de mission duties in Glasgow
Jones will act as the figurehead for Team Wales at the Games. His role is ambassadorial, not organisational.
Responsibilities include leading athletes and staff, representing Wales at official functions and speaking on behalf of the team. He travelled to Scotland with chef de missions from 74 nations and territories for seminars and workshops.
Preparations and timeline
Selection day on June 19 will confirm most of the team. Jones said he will focus on bringing athletes together under Team Wales after that date.
He also mentioned upcoming events such as the King’s Baton Relay and the kit launch. The seminars in Glasgow gave him insight into operational and athlete-centred issues.
Background and sporting advice
Jones returned to university to study for a Master’s in Sports Directorship ahead of the appointment. He described being emotional and proud when offered the job.
He consulted athletes including Becky James and Chris Hoy during his research. Chris Hoy advises that a chef de mission should know something about every athlete before arriving at a Games village.
Jones noted the benefit of small personal details when meeting competitors. He referenced his past experience with 214 athletes at the Gold Coast as an example of that approach.
His boss at the broadcaster has supported the move. Jones expects to be back on air by the end of July, focused on giving Team Wales the best chance to succeed.
