Thomas, Williams & Wojtkowiak to train future talent

British Fencing is pleased to announce some exciting additions to the World Class Staff Team working as weapon-specific Lead Talent Coaches for the recently developed World Class Talent Programmes (TIC and Talent).

Maciej Wojtkowiak, already established as a key member of the World Class Performance Staff, will take on the role as Lead Talent Coach for foil.  His experience at the elite level and with up and coming talent will add great value to the athletes on our Talent Programmes, streamlining the coaching philosophies from talent through to senior.

Ian Williams has been appointed as Lead Talent Coach for sabre. Ian has 34 years experience within the sport of fencing as an international fencer himself and as a coach since he retired in 2000.  Currently, he is the head coach at Camden Fencing Club, one of the most successful sabre clubs in this country.  He also works promoting the sport in various schools across London and has been the British Cadet and Junior Sabre Coach since 2008.  His enthusiasm and dedication to developing young talent will complement the ambitions of the World Class Performance Pathway.

Neale Thomas is our Lead Talent Coach for epee.  He has been a full time epee coach since 2003 and works across a huge variety of schools and clubs promoting the sport and developing young fencers.  He has previously worked with the National Cadet epee squad over a 5-year period, attending the World Junior Championships in Turkey.

Speaking about the appointments, Joanna Cook, Head of the Talent Pathway said; “We are delighted to have Ian and Neale as part of our team, joining Maciej and Andrey in our quest to identify and create the next generation of world beating fencers.”