Fencing Champion Hannah Lawrence wins Gold

Chesterfield fencing star Hannah Lawrence has retained her British Women’s Epee Championship for a second year at SportsDock, University of London.

In the direct elimination stage Hannah beat some of the top British epeeists with stylish and gutsy fencing. She won four out of five poule fights to be seeded number four on the day.

Hannah’s only troublesome opponent came in the semi-final – Lizzie Powell of Kenilworth Sword, who was a close match finishing 15-14.

In the final Hannah got back into swing of things and beat Great Britain Under -23 fencer Hannah Nesbitt 15-6, to lift the title for the third time, having first won in 2009.

Speaking of her success, Hannah said: “This is a great time to be fencing with the two clubs located in the Chesterfield area – Wingerworth Fencing Club and The Derbyshire Epee Academy.

“All the years of training by fencers and coaches are paying off; not only am I getting some great results, but so are a lot of the younger fencers. Last week three fencers finished in the last eight in the British Youth Championships in various age groups. Liam Deneley of Shirebrook Academy won the Ullman Trophy a senior competition in Leeds, Matt Cooper has won two senior opens and finished third at the first junior GB squad qualifier of this season.

“There are a lot more fencers on the cusp of getting excellent results and we all have a few things in common, we turned up and gave it a go one night, then we worked hard with the coaches to make the results happen.

“Over the last ten years I have travelled the world to fence for GB and England. I would urge young people in the area to come and try the sport on a free beginner’s course and find out where your potential can take you.”