The Untold stories of fencers
pushing at boundaries

“My mother has always inspired me. She has been incredibly hardworking and tough so my sister and I were lucky to be able to grow up around such a strong woman. From the start, she has been one hundred per cent supportive towards all of us, especially when it comes to sport and I know she will be there to help us achieve our dreams.

Unfortunately, the drop off rate for girls in my sport is alarming. It is a huge shame that so many leave my sport in their late teens and early twenties. I think not having other women to spar and train alongside does not help. Sport is so important and it is key to the long-term health of our youth. But I find that many girls are not given as many opportunities as the boys to do something different.

Kate Beardmore