Last week, I travelled up to Sheffield to compete in the British Youth Fencing Championships, the largest youth competition in the country. It was my first year in the Under 18 category and I was up against some tough competition. After winning all my poule fights, I was seeded 2nd in the Rankings and won each of my direct elimination fights until I ended up in the final.

After a close beginning, my opponent, seeded first, eventually got the better of me and pulled away to win towards the end. Nonetheless, it was an excellent fight and I felt proud to have reached the final and be ranked second in the country. At least I have a target to beat next year ;)

Yesterday, I competed in my first competition since starting my GCSEs. So far, the exams have been going really well however, I haven’t be able to train as much as usual due to revision and so it was great to be fencing again.

After winning all my fights in both my poules, I ended up being seeded first. I managed to win my first few direct eliminations but in the semi-final, I was unlucky to draw a really talented and tough fencer and sadly, I lost the fight.

Nonetheless, I got a bronze medal which I was quite pleased with considering I’m definitely not performing at my best. Hopefully, once all my exams finish, I’ll be able to work my way back to top form, just in time for the London Open.