How did you first become involved in fencing?

I first became involved at school. I think on some level everyone begins fencing because they want to be Zorro. I kept going with the discipline because I found it to be a truly demanding and rewarding activity with a strong historical identity which appeals to a lot of people.

What have been the highlights of your career as a fencer?

I’ve participated in many UK competitions and I always enjoy the individual battles against renowned fencers at these. The Varsity competition last year was of course a highlight, as was our great performance in the BUCS Championship which we have a very good chance of winning this year.

Who’s the best fencer you have encountered?

Our captain of three years ago, Alex O’Connell, participated in the Beijing Olympics and will be doing the same at London in 2012. Anthony Crutchett, who was in the University team around the same time as Alex, won a gold medal at the most recent Commonwealth games. The Cambridge team have produced some very good fencers in the last few years.

How does the physicality of fencing compare with other sports?

I think people tend to perceive fencing as not constituting a true sport due to its lack of physicality, but I can honestly say that no other sport has tested me in the same way as fencing. Spending at least half an hour in the squat position moving up and down an eight metre strip is extremely tiring.

What makes a good fencer?

There is no physical archetype of a good fencer: short people can use their size to an advantage, while tall people benefit from extra reach. I think it’s really mental strength which is the hallmark of the very strongest fencers. Is the discipline’s popularity confined to certain regions of the country?I think there is a misconception that fencing’s popularity is confined to public schools, but all the best fencers I have met are from state schools. The sport is more popular in the United States and the rest of Europe, partly due to the poor infrastructure of the BFA (British Fencing Association) which hampers the quality of coaching at a grass-roots level.

Having said this, the current GB Foil Team are performing very highly at the moment and should hopefully stir up a good deal of publicity at the 2012 games to boost the sport’s popularity in this country.

What types of people are drawn to fencing?

I think fencers are required to be intelligent, not in an academic sense, but in analysing and responding effectively to an intense tactical environment. There is a true feeling of community amongst fencers; the strong sense of tradition ensures this is the case. That competitors are required to shake hands after every battle and salute before an encounter breeds respect for participants and the sport itself.

Who are favourites for Varsity?

Both universities have very strong teams this year and, as the focus of our season, we are keen to perform well. Last year we lost very narrowly and have an almost identical team this year. With the sides so even, victory is usually dictated by which side can hold their nerve.

How do you prepare before a battle?

Every fencer has their own specific warm-up, accompanied by a tailored warm-up playlist. With mental disposition so crucial, a lot of competitors have their own pre-match superstition or a technique-based preparation. This can include eating the same special breakfast on the morning before an event, or wearing the same lucky boxers. I personally try to rid my mind of the predictable stream of thoughts which occur immediately prior to an encounter.

What would you say to any freshers who wish to try fencing?

I think the fact that you are battling yourself as much as the other man means the potential gains from the discipline are huge. The sport has something for everyone, if you’re very tactically minded you can train in such a way as to draw on this, and if you’re more physically inclined you can develop your style accordingly. We run beginner sessions, and anyone is welcome to come along.