Will Deary CO15

Olympic Fencing Challenge 

The competition format was different to usual, as I had a bye through the poule stages and the first direct elimination, as I was seeded in the top three for the event.  So, my first active challenge in the zonal competition was the quarter-final, against a Belgium competitor – I won the round 15-9 qualifying for the semi-final.  

However, in the semi-final, with some small nerves I didn’t fence to the best of my ability,  but I am proud to say I gave it my absolute best. Unfortunately, it wasn’t good enough and despite my best efforts I lost 15-9 to the Ukrainian fencer.  

With only the winner of the zonal competition qualifying for the Olympics it meant this Olympic cycle was over for me. Fortunately, I only have to wait another three years until the next Olympic Games, and I am committed to trying again and training in the best way possible. Hopefully next time will be without the added challenges of navigating a pandemic through training.  

During the next few years, I hope to finish my Computer Science degree at King’s College, London, and perhaps move to Germany again to prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics. My experience of this Olympic zonal will, I believe, stand me in good stead and no doubt help me to improve my chances of qualification”.