Team GB’s first-ever men’s sabre medal

Congratulations to fencers Lauren A, who achieved Gold in the U15 Girls’ Sabre, and Sarang S, who finished in the top 8 at the recent Leon Paul Junior Series (LPJS). The LPJS is a great way to start fencing competitively; it is designed specifically for young fencers who want to compete in a fun, safe environment.

We’re also delighted to share some Old Truronian news. Will Deary CO15 claimed Team GB’s first-ever men’s sabre medal on the first day of competition at the European Games in Kraków, Poland, on Sunday. Caitlin Maxwell CO17 also competed at the Senior European Champs and finished in the top 8. A quarter-final place for an Olympic qualifying event is a great boost to her Olympic campaign. Both Will and Caitlin are now one step closer to Paris 2024 and we wish them both the best of luck.

Speaking to British Fencing after the medal ceremony, Will said,

“To qualify for the Paris Games, that’s the first and foremost thing. It’s really complicated qualifying. It’s a long, whole-season process. It’s not like you go to one competition and you know you’ve qualified. You don’t know until the very last competition of the season. This result proves that we can get there. We’ve just got to keep the consistency up and I’ll find out probably in April. Paris is the ambition but I can’t rush this yet.

“In one month we’ve got the World Championships in Milan. There are a lot of qualification points available, and I hope I can pull off another result like this.”

Deary’s coach, Jon Salfield, added,

“I think he showed he is world class today, and I believe he’ll go on and qualify for the Paris Olympic Games.”

British Fencing’s Olympic Team Manager, Johnny Davis, added,

“We were expecting this to happen at some stage – it was just a matter of when. And I think for the team it’s a great opening. It sets the standard and gives belief to everyone else that we can go off and do this.”

Photo Credit: British Fencing