As nominations for the 2026 BF Honours open, we’re shining a spotlight on last year’s recipients. In this feature, we speak to Henry Youngblood, who received a Bronze Medal for tireless contribution volunteering in the BF events team, fulfilling numerous roles over many years.
Tell us about the work you do to support fencing…
I work in fencing events, working in a variety of roles which encompasses referee, referee coordinator, event organiser, and DT. I have also been a volunteer as DT at BF events and supported the technical side of runnig the championships as a member of DT and with working knowledge of the material used to run fencing events!
What is your favourite memory of your time volunteering in fencing?
Helping organise and running the James Williams memorial match in 2024 – 18 hours on the ground to run the event plus all the planning in the background, but it was worth it for the memory of James Williams. And it was successful in its bid to win the record for longest continuous fencing match in history.
What does it mean to receive the 2025 BF Honours award?
I’m honestly quite emotional – I didn’t do all my volunteering for any sort of award, I did it to keep fencing events running as best they can on so that fencers in the UK have as high-quality competitions as possible! It’s a huge honour to have those contributions recognised by British Fencing.
What would you say to people considering volunteering in fencing or sport in general?
It’s a lot of work, but ultimately fulfilling when the events run smoothly – the fencing world needs dedicated people to make these competitions, for the fencers’ sake!
BF Honours are awarded to members who have demonstrably upheld the BF values of honesty, respect and excellence, all while making a significant contribution to fencing in the UK. Awards are conferred annually and announced and presented at the AGM by the BF President.
Fencers who have represented GBR either as an individual or as a team member and have achieved a podium place in specific categories will automatically be recommended for an appropriate award.
Nominations for the 2026 BF Honours are open and close on the 29th May 2026. Click here to make your nomination.
The BF Honours are separate from the BF Community Awards.
Click here for more information about the BF Honours, including past recipients.
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