Duo to cross swords with top world talent
City’s fencers fight on international stage
TWO Newcastle fencers have their sights set on big things after being called up by Scotland to compete on the international stage.
Newcastle Fencing Club members Millie Robson and Sarah Harvey will take part in the Commonwealth Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships at Northumbria University.
The event, which starts next Monday and runs until July 30, features teams from all over the world - including New Zealand, Australia, Canada, South Africa and India as well as Scotland, Wales and England.
More than 600 fencers will be taking part, competing in the three fencing disciplines of foil, epee and sabre.
Robson, 16, has enjoyed much success since starting to fence six years ago.
She represented Scotland at under-15 level before progressing on to fight for Great Britian at under-17 level - which resulted in a call-up to the Scotland under-17s’ Commonwealth team.
Robson said: “I began fencing at an afterschool club in year five at Newcastle Royal Grammar School.
“I was a member of the hockey team too but decided to focus entirely on fencing two years ago.
“As well as the competition spirit itself, I am so excited for the bonding experience with my team, who I have been friends with since 2016, as well as meeting teams from all across the world.
“The team spirit from all the nations is a truly incredible experience.
“I am now hoping to represent Great Britain in my last cadet season and hopefully go to the European and World Championships - and maybe even represent Great Britain at an under-20 level.”
Harvey, 18 - who recently left Gosforth Academy - has been fencing since the age of 10 and was inspired by her sister to take up the sport.
She said: “My biggest success so far has been making the Great Britain under-20 team.
“I am now looking forward to seeing the Australian friends I made at the last Commonwealths at the Newcastle competition and competing against totally different fighters to those I am used to.
“Being on the piste is a great feeling and if you go in with a nothing-to-lose attitude then you cannot help but enjoy it.”
North East Region Fencing Development Officer Beth Davidson said: “It is fantastic to see our local fencers being selected to represent their home nation at the most prestigious championship in the sport.
“This is a great credit to the talent we have in the North East and also to the clubs who nurture them.”
DON’T miss a picture special on the championships in Grassroots Sport.