Sarah-Jane’s at the cutting edge
Perth fencer prepares for major tournaments
Sarah-Jane has represented both GB and Scotland Sarah-Jane Hampson’s journey to the top of Scottish fencing has been an arduous one.
But the Perth Salle Ossian member wouldn’t change it for the world as she looks ahead to a defining year of sport.
The Senior European Championships take place in Serbia next month followed by Australia’s Senior Commonwealth Games later in the year.
Both high-profile events are scribbled down in Sarah-Jane’s schedule and she is determined to make her mark on the world stage.
“For me to be selected to represent Scotland, it is a huge honour,” the 21-year-old told the Perthshire Advertiser. “I am extremely proud to represent my country and will give it my all.
“This Commonwealths means a lot to me as four years ago I was on track to be selected for Glasgow. But due to a knee injury resulting in surgery I was unable to take part.
“Since then, with a lot of blood, sweat and tears, I’m so pleased I have been able to have such a successful season to secure my place going to Australia.
“There’s five of us from Salle Ossian who have met selection which is absolutely incredible and I’m very excited for us all to be part of the Scottish team.
“I’m also looking forward to be heading out to Serbia.
“The only other European Championships I’ve been to was also in Serbia, but I’m excited to go out in the summer this time.
“This is my biggest achievement to date and will be the highest ranked competition I’ve ever been to.
“I’m going to go and try my hardest to do the very best I can. A couple more weeks of intense training lies ahead for me.
“Being able to go and be on the same team as my best friend Kate Daykin is an additional bonus.
“We have been friends both on and off the piste for many years and getting to share this experience with her means a lot. about Salle Ossian fencer Sarah-Jane Hampson is looking forward to an exciting year
“Fingers crossed we don’t meet each other in the first round.”
Travelling across the globe to compete comes at a cost and, with no funding available, Sarah-Jane must put in the hours to raise cash to fuel her dream.
She is laying on a fundraising event at the Loft Nightclub in Perth on June 30, kicking off at 7.30pm in a bid to gather money for the Australia trip.
“Unfortunately we receive no funding at all and we have to pay for kit, travel, accommodation, the lot ourselves,” Sarah-Jane explained.
“All of the money raised will be going towards supporting myself and others heading out to Australia for the Senior Commonwealth Games.
“This is a very big task and the bank of mum and dad can only help me with a little bit. We are hoping to raise enough to help us all get out to Australia.
“The last year has been incredibly tough, mentally, physically and financially.
“To train both at the gym and putting the hours in on the piste and to work to get money to fund all this is draining.
“At times finding the energy to get up to training can be very difficult. However my motivation and determination to succeed keeps me going.”
Motivation and a drive to be the best she can be also comes from influential Perth coach Phil Carson and fellow team-mates at Salle Ossian.
Having been with the Fair City club since it opened in 2015, Sarah-Jane, who started fencing aged 10, is wellplaced to comment on how special an environment it is.
She said: “Salle Ossian is a very special club and I often think of it as one big family, as cliché as that sounds.
“We continually all work hard together and support one and other through good times and bad.
“We train every night with each other and have squad training days which are great for feedback, support and bringing each other on.
“Head coach Phil Carson works tirelessly to support, motivate and develop us all. Big credit to Phil for managing me when I’m in ‘diva mode’.
“The club is a great place and everyone gets on really well, sharing and celebrating successes and helping when things don’t go to plan.”
What certainly has gone to plan is Sarah-Jane’s ambition to inspire more local youngsters to get involved with the sport she loves. Sarah-Jane explained: “I’ve been coaching now for two years. It’s the most rewarding job in the world.
“I’m lucky enough to go into schools in and around Perth and Kinross and introduce my sport to kids who have never even heard of fencing before.
“I usually get six weeks with the same kids and watching them enjoying my sport, learning and having fun is amazing.
“A lot of the kids I introduced to fencing are now regulars at the club, getting lessons and competing. This means so much to me.
“I once had no idea what fencing was. But after a few weeks I fell in love with it.
“I have made friends for life fencing and I would encourage everyone to try this amazing sport.”
Sarah-Jane’s event to raise funds for her trip to the Senior Commonwealth Games in Australia takes place on June 30 at the Loft Nightclub in Perth. Edinburgh’s four-piece rock band, Gypsy Circus, will be playing, alongside a DJ.
It’s kicking off at 7.30pm and finishes at 11pm and costs £10 a ticket, which includes free entry into the Loft after the event is over.
●You can help fund Sarah-Jane’s trip to the Senior Commonwealth Games in Australia by visiting her page on www. uk.gofundme.com
I’ve been coaching now for two years. It’s the most rewarding job in the world.