Bronze for Myles in National Youth Series fencing competition

With a passion for fencing, Myles Fairhurst, in Year 8, has scooped bronze in his first competition in the National Youth Series. Myles has been fencing for three years and trains every week with the ‘Street Swords’ club at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington.

Myles’ interest in fencing stemmed from reading an article about the sport and he immediately wanted to try it! Myles said: “By doing fencing you get to meet new people, it keeps me on my toes and ensures I am ‘switched on’. It also improves my fitness and co-ordination.”

Myles’ first competition was hosted at Durham University’s Fencing Centre and Myles took part in the under 12’s sabre section, which lasted for almost four hours. During this time, Myles fought several other competitors and then progressed to the knock-out stage.

Myles explained: “There are three types of fencing: Epee, Foil and Sabre. My discipline is sabre which uses a ‘cutting’ motion compared to the other types of fencing and you are not allowed to cross your feet. Sabre fencing is derived from military swordsmanship. In the late nineteenth century an Italian fencing master developed the light-weight sabre fencing sword. In 1986 it became the last fencing weapon to be electrified.

“I like it as you get to have fun with swords in a safe way. It has definitely helped me to get fitter and make new friends.”

Well done to Myles and we can’t wait to hear how he progresses at his next competition.