The 29-year-old from Swansea, who won the world title in 2013 and finished fourth at Rio 2016, will lead a team numbering more than 200 athletes for the Games that run from April 4 to 15 in Australia.

"I got the call while preparing to travel to Dubai and I was in shock," said Stanford.

"Team captain is a big role and I'm very grateful to be given the title for Team Wales heading to the Gold Coast next month.

"The Commonwealth Games has been a dream of mine since a young age, it was on my radar well before the Olympic Games.

"Growing up, my dream was to be able to compete for my country.

"Missing out on the last Games in Glasgow was really tough for me so to now have the opportunity to wear the red jersey and lead a strong Team Wales out in Gold Coast - I'm just thrilled.

"It's my first ever Commonwealth Games so this is so exciting for me, it's really pushed me to want to do an even better job for Wales and for the team."

Stanford began her career as a runner and was part of the "On Camp With Kelly" training group established by 2004 Olympic 800 and 1,500 metres champion Kelly Holmes for several years. 

She then switched to swimming training and triathlon in 2008 following an injury.

Stanford won the under-23 world title in Auckland in 2012, and the following year became the first woman to step up from that level to lift a senior world title.

Based at Leeds Metropolitan University, she now trains alongside Rio 2016 gold and silver medallists Alistair and Jonny Brownlee and shares a rented flat with Vicky Holland, who took bronze in Rio.

"I'm competing on the first day of the Games so I want to give it my all and inspire the rest of the team for the duration of competitions," Stanford added.

"We're so patriotic as a nation so when you get the chance to compete for Wales, it's a special moment in your career and unlike any other opportunity.

"I really hope the rest of Wales will get behind the team and show their support for Team Wales."

Nicola Phillips, Wales' Chef de Mission, added: "The team captain is selected for their individual leadership attributes and their ability to inspire our athletes by their attitude and behaviour in the competition arena and outside.

"They are typically someone who has experienced a major Games and understands the added pressures of this environment and instils respect and belief amongst their team mates.

"We are extremely pleased that Non has agreed to take on this important role in our team.

"She will be able to lead by example, having already shown so much resilience to overcome previous injury to get to Gold Coast Games, as well as such a positive attitude that will increase confidence in athletes attending their first Games through believing in themselves and the power of a tight team supporting them."