Britain finish fifth in medal table

The 105-strong British team recently returned from the Individual European Veterans Championships 2017 with a creditable fifth place finish in the medals table with two gold, four silver and ten bronze medals.  The championships were held in Chiavari, Italy, 25-28 May and featured twenty-eight events.

The tournament started well with a total of five medals won on day one.  William Osbaldeston claimed the silver medal in the men’s 75+ sabre event as Peter Baron claimed the bronze.  Paul Wedge also sealed a silver medal in the men’s 60-69 foil.  Bronze medals were also won by John Troiano (men’s 50-59 foil) and Silvia J. Brown (women’s 70-74 epee).

The highlight of day two was Graham Paul’s silver medal finish in the men’s 70-74 foil and a day later he claimed a bronze medal in the men’s 70-74 epee.  William Osbaldeston joined Paul on the podium by picking up his second silver medal of the tournament in the men’s 75+ epee.  Day three also saw Margaret Myers pick up a bronze medal in women’s 70+ foil event and Michele Narey claim bronze in the women’s 50-59 sabre but it was the women’s 60-69 sabre where Britain was to claim it’s first gold medal.  A brilliant performance from Jane Hutchison saw her strike gold with a marvellous 10-2 victory over Claudia Bandieri (ITA) in the final.  Jenny Morris also reached the podium in this event claiming the bronze medal.

Britain’s second gold medal came in the last event of the tournament as Vivien Frith took out Marie-Chantal Demaille (FRA) 10-5 in the final of the women’s 70-75+ sabre.  Silvia J. Brown claimed her second bronze medal of the championships in the same event.  Caron Hale and Gillian Worman also shared the bronze medal step on the podium in the women’s 50-59 foil.

Gillian Aghajan once again dutifully managed the massive British squad and speaking after the event concluded said, “It was my pleasure to be the Team Manager for the Great Britain squad of 105 fencers who took part in the 14th European Veterans Individual Championships in Chiavari, Italy.  This was the largest European Championships to date with over 1,400 participants and I am delighted and proud of all of our fencers, not only because of our excellent results and medal total but also for their determination, team spirit and support for each other.  Our tally of medals places GBR a very respectable fifth place in the medal table.” 

“The event was in a good location with glorious weather, good organisation and the all round friendliness made it a very enjoyable Championships.  Thanks go to Giovanni Falcini and the rest of the Organising Committee and EVF President, Caryl Oliver.”

British Fencing extends its congratulations to Gillian, the team and especially the medallists.