Kate Beardmore: Untold Stories of Fencers Pushing Boundaries
Women's Sports Photographer, London Fencing
Kate Beardmore fences foil for Great Britain's senior team, and this studio session in London was built around her strength, precision and presence: portraits and behind the scenes moments from the changing room and the piste alike.
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
This portrait sits within Karen's wider London sports photography portfolio, alongside Natasha Coates' gymnastics story, another portrait about redefining what strength in sport looks like. For commercial and editorial commissions in sport, see Commissions.
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