Sport
Fencing
Achievements to date
Fencing is an unusual sport to become interested in, for many people they don’t even know what it is. For me I was lucky to have a friend that fenced and whom introduced me to the sport at the age of 9. From the first day I tried the sport I never looked back as my love for it was so great. I first started competing when I was 11 and this was in foil, my first competition I was placed 1st this was a sign for great things to come. As I left my primary school I found Sabre to be my preferred weapon of choice and have stuck to that since. I have now been competing ever since. I have represented Great Britain at U15, U17 and U20 level and also England at U18. As for most athletes my dream is to compete at the Olympic Games but in our sport we have not had much success over the past and it is my ambition to do better.
U18 British Champion.
Getting cut after the pools in Poland.
Martin Johnson (Rugby).
The way I get ready…shorts then T-shirt then left fencing sock then right fencing sock then left training sock then right training sock then long sleeved T-Shirt then left shoe then right shoe.
First of all I would like to say one huge Thank You for everything you have done for me to progress in my sporting life.
To start with I thought that i would tell you the current position I’m in within the sport. After many years of hard work I have reached the Senior National Sabre team for Great Britain, I have travelled to many countries competing on the main stage in Grand Prix and World Cup events, competing against some of the best in the world.
Before I had your funding, life of fencing was a huge struggle for me, trying to keep up with all the competitions, finances were short and some competitions were missed, your funding gave me an amazing opportunity to take part in all that I needed to.
Before I had your funding, I was part of the Cadet national squad competing abroad was very hard on my family and caused a lot of stress for me when competing, your funding allowed me to de-stress and climb my way into the GB team which competed at the European Championships U20.
I’ve gained a lot of experiences through the three years of funding, going to different places, using the money to train abroad and not just better my fencing but learnt about new ways of life to better me as a person. Funding young athletes trying to break onto an international stage is so important, as it was so important for me when I was so lucky to achieve your funding.
From when I first had a meeting with one of your Trustees, my ambitions and goals have not changed one bit, I am still on track for 2020 Olympic in Tokyo and that is my goal, my dream and hopefully I will make it.
Lastly I would like to say Thank You again, not just for the money but for the allowance this gave for me to better in my sport, better in my life and open my eyes to new experiences, new friends and ultimately help me get that all important one step nearer my goal. I will always remember the great support you gave me and hopefully all other young athletes will appreciate it just as much as I did.
Holly Williams (Badminton) competes in the Nottingham Senior Gold this weekend - good luck Holly
3 days ago
Louise Evans (Athletics) competes at the British Indoor Championships in Glasgow this weekend - good luck @louiseevans07
4 days ago