RUNNING away to join the circus may have been a childhood wish for millions of people, but very few actually get to live out the dream.

But for one talented Pembrokeshire gymnast, who has already starred at international level, that’s exactly what has happened.

Harry Owen, of Tenby, is well established as one of Pembrokeshire’s most successful ever gymnasts – enjoying a career high in the summer of 2014 when he made the final of the all-round competition when representing Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

After that he competed on the professional circuit in Germany, but such is the nature of gymnastics, careers are not prolonged and he confirmed his retirement in 2015.

But the 23-year-old wasn’t going to let years of dedication and training in his chosen sport – that saw him progress from Milford Haven Gymnastics Club as a six-year-old, to the Swansea Gymnastics Centre, to Loughborough University – go to waste.

And sure enough, he travelled to the United States to coach youngsters at a Camp America event, and it was there he met representatives of Cirque Du Soleil, the world’s biggest acrobatic circus.

The show, based in Montreal, Canada, employs approximately 4,000 people from more than 40 countries, and generates an estimated annual revenue exceeding $810million.

Harry promptly registered his interest and had to undertake a gruelling trial, and there was no rest when he came home, with the circus requiring him to send over videos of his training routines and progress.

But he was duly selected to perform on the swinging rings for their impending worldwide VOLTA tour, and has since moved to Montreal as he prepares to embark on an exciting new adventure.

The Western Telegraph contacted Harry in Canada who said he was excited about his new career.

“Making a big life decision like this was easier than I thought it would be,” he said.

“I’ve always seen myself performing on stage at some point in my life and this year was the time to really push for this type of career after just retiring from competitive gymnastics.

“Cirque Du Soleil has a number of productions worldwide and I’m so honoured to be a part of such an amazing company.

“To know it’s only a matter of time before I’ll be performing in front of thousands of audiences across the world is something I could call a dream job.

“I can’t wait for the tour to begin.”

The tour begins on April 20, 2017, and Harry’s progress can be followed via his Instagram or Twitter account on @Harryowen93.