Three athletes are preparing to travel to Armenia to compete in the 2018 U23 European Championships which starts on the 14^th April. 

The athletes have all been supported to attend the event through a donation from Imperium Investments to the BF Charity.

Lizzie Powell, age 22 will be representing GB in the Women’s Epee event. Lizzie currently lives in Birmingham and trains with her coach John Rees.

“I am delighted to have been selected to represent GB in Armenia.  This will be the second time I have competed at this event and I am looking forward to the opportunity to fence against other athletes from all over Europe and to improving my international ranking.  I am very grateful to Imperium Investments for the support they are giving me, as their contribution makes a huge difference to my ability to compete for my country”.

Scottish foilist Mhairi McLaughlin, age 18, said “Since being selected I have been working extremely hard with my coach Sean Walton at Salle Holyrood Fencing club in Edinburgh in preparation for this exciting event.  I can’t wait to get the opportunity to fence against some of the best athletes in all of Europe and would like to thank the sponsor for the grant which makes a significant difference.” 

Alex Lloyd, age 22, representing GB in the Men’s foil event, said “I’m really excited to be part of the GB team at this year’s 2018 U23 European Championships.  I’ve had a busy U23 and senior international season, and thanks to the support from Imperium Investments I have been able to concentrate on the training rather than worrying about the finances”

Georgina Usher CEO commented, “On behalf of British Fencing I would like to wish the athletes the best of luck in the Championships.  I’d also like to thank Imperium Investments for the support they have provided through the BF Charity to support our team.  As an unfunded performance sport, donations like these are critical to help our athletes as they seek to represent GB at the highest level.”

Dmitry Leus, founder and CEO of Imperium Investments added, “I’m a bigger supporter of the sport of Fencing and wanted to support the British National Team.  Good luck to Lizzie, Alex and Mhairi, I’m sure they will do the country proud.”

For more information on the event, schedule and results please visit http://www.eurofencing.info

To donate to the BF Charity and support GB athletes please visit https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/britishfencingcharity