U17 (CADET) INTIAL EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026 SELECTION

Congratulations to the first wave of selections for the GBR Squad for the upcoming U17 (Cadet) European Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, from 20th Feb to 23rd February 2026.

Selection Status: Initial selection 

This first wave of selections consists of athletes that have met the qualification standards at the published selection point as of 16th December. Where squad places are still available, a final selection for the remaining places will take place from the 5th January and at this point reserves will also be nominated.

Athletes selected:

(Qualification standard/average international % finish across best 3 results, R = BF ranking position)

QM = qualified by medal standard, Q8 = qualified by 8% standard, Q35 = qualified by 35% standard.

Important Information:

Selected athletes are expected to attend the Europeans Preparation Sessions, on the following dates:

• Foil – FCL: 15–16 February
• Sabre – PDFA: 7–8 February
• Epee – Bath: 7–8 February

Please Note: 

1. Important information about the Championships: Before taking any decision to accept selection or take any related action, athletes, parents, supporters and coaches must read the Cadet and Junior European Championships 2026 dedicated event page. This includes important latest information about entry, exit points, accommodation and costs as details will differ from standard U17 events.
2. Major Event Guide: If it’s your first time involved as a parent, athlete or coach (or you would like a reminder about how these types of events run) please read the GBR Guide to Major Event.
3. Acceptance Emails: These will be sent out from the Sport:80 platform from the 5th January (the BF Office will be closed from the 24th December, reopening on the 5th January).
4. Junior Selection: Some athletes may also be selected for Juniors (latest selection point 5th January), please take this into consideration (eg costs of date changes) if booking flights now.
5. Chaperoned Flights: Details of flights where BF can offer chaperone support will be available from week of 5th January.
6. Final Selection: A final selection announcement will be published after the 6th January 2025, please refer to the selection timeline on the event page for more details.
7. Preparation Camp: Selected athletes (unless they have prior authorisation) are required to attend the Europeans Preparation Sessions.

Reminder of the Selection Process

In accordance with the GBR Selection Policy the first three qualified fencers from the rankings were selected.

With regards to the fourth discretionary place athletes meeting qualification standards were considered:

1. If only one remaining athlete met the required standards, they were selected.
2. Where more than one remaining athlete met the standards, the selectors applied the general selection principles for major events to determine the final choice. Where there was insufficient international performance rationale (which included consideration of any valid discretionary cases), team performances, or other principles to separate qualified athletes, selection reverted to the BF Ranking Lists.

2026 General Principles

5.3.1 The purpose of selection is to develop athletes and teams for Major Championship success. Unless otherwise stated below, Major Championships selections will be guided by performances in the following order:

1. the qualifying standards being met,
2. international results prioritising nominated international events,
3. team performance or performances in a team prioritising nominated international events,
4. the potential to achieve future success internationally
5. an active engagement with the GPP
6. when no other measures are available, the BF rankings are considered.

7.2 54. If more than three eligible athletes have reached the qualifying standard for the European & World Championships, then: the first three athletes on the respective BF ranking list will be selected. The fourth Athlete and any non- travelling reserve will be chosen/proposed by the GBR Pathway Team at their discretion.

More Information

Updated Performance Data and Qualification Standards

GBR Selection Policy – see section 7.2, item 53 for qualification standards

All International Results – The complete data of international results from nominated competitions can be found here.

Selection queries

If you have any questions about this post, please submit them to us via GBR Pathway Query form here and a GBR Support team member will respond.

Personal Coaches

Eligible personal coaches meeting the major event requirements will need to apply for accreditation and there are limits to the numbers that can attend. More information available here: 2026 Cadet and Junior European Championships Tbilisi.

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