2025 Once again saw two competitors from Gravesham Fencing Club power through to the British Youth Championships in Sheffield.  With Claudia deciding to remain at home due to upcoming exams, it was left to Sofia to fly the flag for Gravesham at this prestigious fencing event.  With 36 fencers in attendance, in Sofia’s age, there were six poules of six fencers in the initial round of the format.  Sofia found herself in poule two against five unfamiliar fencers from across the country.  A slow start meant that Sofia won one of her matches, but she did manage to score in the remaining four duels, giving her half a chance at a much better seeding. 

Finding herself in 29^th position, she was unfortunate not to receive a bye in the first round of DE, not that this mattered, because she easily overcame her opponent with a 15-9 victory.  The win, and lack of rest, didn’t go in her favour, as she now up against the number four seed.  Having done some background work on the opponent’s style, despite walking away, having lost 15-6, Sofia was happy that she’d exceeded her expectations for the match, scoring well against a formidable opponent and, finishing 29^th overall and in 8^th place for the South East region. 

A huge congratulations, Sofia, for representing Gravesham extremely well at the highest junior level in the country.  We’re incredibly proud of the amazing performance that you put in, in a very busy year for you – keep up the good work!