On the 18th of September, right after Period One of school, I flew out to Barcelona to compete in the Barcelona Senior Satellite fencing event, a competition with 173 fencers from 27 nations taking part. I started off well in the pool rounds, winning five out of my six bouts to progress to the direct elimination stage. In my first match, I faced a fellow Brit currently ranked fourth in the UK Senior rankings, coming away with a 15-10 win. Next, I defeated Evelyn Zeng of Canada 15-9, setting up a round-of-32 match against 2025 Senior World Champion Vlada Kharkova. Working alongside the British Fencing coaches during that bout was an incredible experience, and while I eventually lost 15-11, I was really proud to place 23rd overall and finish as the highest-placing British fencer out of the 23 who competed. What made the trip enjoyable was getting the chance to compete against such experienced athletes on the piste while feeling so supported. Even though fencing is an individual sport, having my teammates there meant a lot - from friends I've grown up with through the age categories to the senior athletes I've recently got to know much better!
This year I hope to compete in other similar events, however because I am in the Upper Sixth I am prioritising my A Levels so am not looking to be selected for any major events such as European and world championships that fall just before my exams. Eilidh P, U6T