Our multi-skilled technician, Nigel Taylor, is competing in the Commonwealth Games Fencing Championships tomorrow (17 August).
Having started fencing six years ago in a bid to satisfy his competitive edge and keep fit, Nigel has rapidly developed in the sport to represent England. He will compete in the Veteran Men’s Sabre Individual event.
The veteran categories will see a number of competitors from countries such as Australia, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, Ghana and Bermuda as well as Wales, Scotland and Ireland, fight it out for the medals.
In total there are 70 fencers from across the Commonwealth taking part and all competitors are divided into groups where they will fight each other for the right to progress to the next round. Every fight is the first to 15 points.
The event will take place at the University of East London SportsDock, Royal Docks.
Nigel has prepared for the Games with an intensive training schedule which sees him attend Barnstaple Fencing Club on Mondays and Tiverton Swords Fencing Club on Wednesdays.
He has completed a weekly spinning class on Tuesdays to increase his fitness levels and, in order to build up his strength, goes to the gym every Thursday.
And he cannot wait to represent his country in the standalone event which is taking part after the completion of the Games.
Nigel said: “Taking part in these Championships makes me feel extremely proud to be representing England.
“Who would have thought it a few years ago? It just goes to show what you can achieve if you show determination and dedication.
“There will be members of my family cheering me on and having the support of my colleagues at LiveWest will certainly focus my mind.
“My aim in the next few years is to attend qualifying events to gain selection for the GB Veterans squad. My focus is to keep fit, practice more and stay healthy. After the Commonwealths my next competition is the Welsh Open in Cardiff (12/13 November).
“My sabre fencing heroes are Aron Szilagyi, from Hungary, and Sara Balzer from France.
“Fencing is a wonderful blend of controlled aggression and respect for your opponent.
“Tactics are extremely important. Whilst you cannot predict what your opponent is going to do, it is the ability to react to an attack in a split second that can win you points.”
There are three weapons used in fencing, each with their own set of rules and priorities.
Nigel launched his interest in fencing by competing in the Foil category where points are scored by landing the point of your weapon on your opponent’s torso or back.
One of the other categories is Epee where you amass points by hitting any part of the opponent’s body (head to toe).
Nigel developed a passion for competing in Sabre where points are scored anywhere above the waist.
Nigel added: “I have competed across the South West in all three of these weapons at competition level. After a few years I decided to make sabre my weapon of choice. It was the explosive nature of this weapon that lured me.”