Fencing Champion takes to the court for Great Britain

Congratulations to Caron Hale who has qualified as one the World’s top-ten Veteran Fencers in her age category of 50-59 years in women’s foil.

The title comes hot on the heals after winning the Veterans British Nationals in June. Fifty-nine-year old Caron Hale, who lives in Thornbury and trains at her local Active Lifestyle Centre, made the top-ten place in Italy, where fencers from over 90 countries met for a week-long competition from 8th to 14th October, with fencers ranging in age from 50 to 80 plus in all six weapons.

A strong performance on the court secured Caron 10th place in the Ladies Individual Foil and has achieved her the rank of GB number one in her age category within the veterans, at the same time coming a solid 22nd in sabre.

Caron also saw success at the Championships with the GB Ladies Foil Team, where – in a tense final against Russia, they brought home the gold with just five seconds to spare.

The international tournament completes a remarkable season for Caron, after a challenging year of training with coach Joe Pearce at the British School of Fencing Excellence and Thornbury Active Lifestyle Centre.

“The Championships bring together the very best veteran fencers from across the world, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to put your skills to the test. Bringing home a team gold medal and finishing in the world top ten is an incredible result and proof that hard work and determination really does pay off!” explains Caron.

With 19 years of competitive fencing behind her, Caron has fought in seven World Championships and last year secured her personal best by making the top six.

Caron adds, “Preparing for an international tournament means perfecting your technique and most importantly ensuring your fitness is at its best. The South West has some outstanding fencing talent and training with competitors of all ages, including young Thornbury fencer, Tabitha De N’Yeurt, has provided some valuable experience.  I’ve been training at Thornbury Active Lifestyle Centre for some time now and I couldn’t have done it without their support and the fantastic facilities they have to offer. After a great season finale, I can now look forward to what next year holds.”

Luke Newman, Centre Manager at Thornbury Active Lifestyle Centre said: “To see a local Champion representing Great Britain again is fantastic and the centre are proud to have been part of her journey to get there. Caron’s achievement shows where hard work and ambition can take you. We’re pleased to offer an exciting range of facilities and clubs, and for anyone looking to get into a sport at any level, we’d encourage you to come along and give it a go!”

Thornbury Active Lifestyle Centre is one of the five lifestyle centres and dual-use sports centres operated across South Gloucestershire by the not for profit organisation Circadian Trust.

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