Gareth, at just 18 years of age has beaten the World's best and is the proud possessor of not one, but two Olympic medals, which he won at the Paralympics held in Athens, Greece, September 2004.
Boyo, Gaz or Wee-Man as he is known to his friends won the Gold Medal in the 100 meter Breaststroke Swimming Final, category SB6, in the record time for the Paralympics of 1 minute 29.93 seconds
His second Paralympic Medal achievement was a Bronze in the 4 x 50 meter Freestyle timed at 2 minutes 57.06 seconds ... which was also a British record.
Gareth, was first selected to swim for Great Britain in 2002 and at the World Championships in Argentina, he won his first medal, a Silver in the 100 meters Breaststroke event and obtained a Bronze in the 4 x 100 meters Freestyle event.
Gareth, lives at the family home on Maendy Way, West Pontnewydd, with his his father Trevor, mother Sue and twin younger sisters.
As I question Gareth about his personal goals and subsequent triumphs ..... I am acutely aware of the love, support and pride his parents have for their son ..... His Mum `beams with pride for her Son` and Trevor tells me that when Gareth is training for an important event it's " back and forth to Swansea, seven days a week", where his club SWIM SWANSEA have access to a fifty meter swimming pool..... tiring but necessary for Gareth to build his strength, style and stamina needed to become the `World Class` competitor, he undoubtedly has become.
Gareth is quick to tell me his closest friend, and also his biggest influence on his career in sport, is Anthony Stephens, also an 18 year-old swimmer who took Silver in the men's S5 200 meter Freestyle in a time of 2 minutes 45.84 seconds, as well as two Bronze medals in the S5 50 meter Freestyle and S5 100 meter Freestyle events.
Another sporting hero of Gareth's is Australia's greatest Olympian swimmer, Ian Thorpe who at the Olympic Games at Athens 2004 won two Gold, one Silver and a Bronze medal.
Above all he heaps praise on his trainer Mr. Billy Pye, for his continuous support and guidance.
When I asked Gareth - " .. now that you have achieved your ambition of winning a Gold Medal ... what next?" He was quick to reply " my next goal is the Commonwealth Games in Australia".
The Games are scheduled for 2006 and will run from March 15th to March 26th, when Melbourne will host more than 4500 athletes from 71 countries.
I finish our interview by asking him how he relaxes ? ... He tells me he relaxes by watching television, reading, and listening to music .... when time allows !
Well done Gareth , I am pleased you took time out of your busy schedule to welcome me into your home and answer a few questions regarding your personal life and outstanding achievements in the Athens 2004 Paralympics.