This year, Etonians triumphed in the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships. As a school, we were awarded the Winston Churchill Cup for scoring the highest points from all Senior events and the Centenary Cup for the greatest increase in points over the previous year.
Alonzo P (Year 12) was victorious in the Senior épée event, placing first out of 123 competitors. Charles S (Year 9) came first in the U14 foil and William S (Year 11) won bronze in the U17 foil. Alonzo tells us what it was like to compete in the tournament.
How did you feel leading up to the competition?
I felt physically prepared going into the tournament. Ms. Radford (Master of Biology and former GB fencer) was kind enough to organise additional training sessions for the epeeists which really helped me get my basics nailed down before going into the tournament.
I couldn’t have done any of it without the Eton staff. Between Mr. Davey’s coaching, Mr Dean’s logistics and Ms. Radford’s on-strip tactical advice, I was extremely well prepared. I am so lucky to have such a strong support network in the School; they really set me up for success on the day.
Tell us more about your event!
The Senior épée event had 123 competitors. It comprised of two pool rounds in the morning and then a tournament bracket in the afternoon. After the pools, around 40 of the 123 competitors were knocked out and I was rated 10th. From about 1pm to 3pm, I fought my way through the table. From 3pm to 5pm, I had bouts against 7th, then 3rd, then 2nd. The final was a 15-7 victory for me.
This is the second time you have won a trophy in the tournament, how did it feel to win this year?
Winning for a second time was really a best-case scenario. It felt good to reclaim the Senior épée trophy. It’s so humbling to know I’m the first Etonian to win this trophy in more than 50 years, especially when the School has such a strong fencing team.
The first thing I did was call my mum who had to leave about an hour before to pick up my sister. Funnily enough, the same thing happened when I won in F Block (Year 9). Safe to say she’s going to be leaving before the final next year as well; can’t jinx it!
How are you involved with sports at Eton?
During sports at school, I spend most of my time fencing. I also love playing House sports, specifically football and Field Game Ties. I think the range of choice the School offers is really great for developing athletes. You try everything in your first two years, then you can really hone in on what you’re good at.
I can’t wait for the new fencing salle to open next year and I hope it draws in many more boys to fencing next year.
