The World Class Programme has formed a partnership with Middlesex University’s  Sports Science department.  The partnership will see experts from the University monitoring and managing the athletic development of current and future GB fencers for the remainder of the Rio 2016 cycle.

With the focus on Strength & Conditioning (S&C) coaches from the University will be working on individualised programmes for each fencer with the specific aim of keeping them one step ahead of their opponents by increasing the speed and distance of attack.

Middlesex University’s lead strength and conditioning coach, and head of athlete development for the WCP, Anthony Turner said; “It’s really important to monitor the performance of elite athletes to ensure the intensity of their training sessions is correct, which helps to prevent both over and under training.” 
 

“As we’ve seen in most Olympic sports, the difference between a gold medal and being off the podium can be tiny. Therefore careful preparation is essential and requires the development and tracking of each athlete’s force capabilities, recovery rates, diet, hydration and body composition. From now until the Olympics, we’ll also be monitoring the fencer’s physical performance while they are taking part in competitions to gain a fuller picture of its demands and their progress relative to this.”

British Fencing’s Performance Director, Alex Newton added; “We are delighted to have developed a working relationship with Middlesex University to support the fencing programme between now and Rio.  The team led by Anthony has already started to have a big impact on the fitness and conditioning of the athletes and I am sure this will have huge benefits when we start the international season in January.” 

Anthony will lead a team including, James Phillips, Geoff Marshall, Conor Buttigieg and Angelo Noto.