Miss Wales sibling rivalry

Mar 23 2008 by Sarah Manners, Wales On Sunday

MISS WALES has its very own sibling rivalry.

Cardiff-born stunners Nyree-Claire and Leila James admit they’re fiercely competitive – but not usually against each other.

“We’re very close – but have always been into different things,” said Nyree-Claire, 23, a geologist who is dating Nottingham Panthers star and former Cardiff Devils ice hockey player Matthew Myers. “So until now we’ve never actually competed against one another in anything.”

Leila, 21, who still lives in Cardiff, where the sisters were born and raised, said: “Our family love it that we’re both through to the finals of Miss Wales.

“Having the chance to represent your country is always brilliant,” added the former Welsh 800m champion, who is combining studying English at Glamorgan University with intensive athletics training.

The girlfriend of Cardiff 800m runner Joseph Maynard, 20, said: “Who knows what it will be like for us in the later stages of the competition? But it’s actually really nice that we’re going through this particular experience together.”

Sport is in the James family genes with Leila and Nyree-Claire’s mum Helen James, 53, a former top Welsh runner.

“We’re a really close family,” says Nyree-Claire, who works for Wales-based environmental consultancy Egniol.

“If Leila goes further than me I’ll be really pleased for her, and likewise, if I go further than her I’m sure she’ll feel the same way.”

Now the girls join the other 66 Miss Wales finalists in bidding to raise at least £600 each to go on to the finals which will take place in the Welsh capital this summer.

All money raised will go towards The Joshua Foundation, which helps terminally ill children to realise their dreams.

nTo see all 68 finalists and vote for your favourite, visit icwales.co.uk