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Olympic gold medallist thinks Seren Bundy-Davies can inspire Wales, just as Gareth Bale did during football’s European Championship.
But Lewis, who won heptathlon gold in Sydney in 2000, feels it is too early to tip the 21-year-old for a medal.
Just weeks after Wales’ football team reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, Bundy-Davies will compete in the 400m and 4x400m relay at the Rio Olympics.
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“You look for inspiration and Seren is that person at the moment,” said Lewis.
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Sport, she added: “Look at someone like Gareth Bale and how much someone like him has inspired people to get into football, and the whole team with their success in France.”
Wales lost to eventual champions Portugal in their first major finals appearance in 58 years.
The efforts of Chris Coleman’s side enthralled the nation and Lewis expects Manchester-born Bundy-Davies to have a similar impact.
“Like every region, you look to that next person coming through that will give that inspiration to young athletes. To show that it is possible,” she said.
