Leamington fencer in bid for glory

Buy photos » Headmaster David Williams celebrates with Dominic Sampson. (s)

A YOUNG fencer from Leamington is preparing his guard in a bid for national glory.

Leamington schoolboy Dominic Sampson is through to the national fencing finals after winning the West Midlands regional championship.

The ten-year-old competed against much older boys to take the West Midlands Under 12s foil championship – winning him a place in the British Youth Championships in May.

Dominic, a pupil at Arnold Lodge School, took on fencers from across six counties to lift the regional title.

Proud dad Jeremy, who as a schoolboy competed in fencing championships in both the UK and overseas, said: “He fenced fantastically well all day, losing only one fight in his first round – against the boy he went on to beat 10 – 4 in the final.”

Dominic trains with the Kenilworth Sword Fencing Club, whose coaching sessions take place at Myton School, Warwick, and St John’s Primary School in Kenilworth.

He began fencing when he was seven and came second in a national Under 9s series a year later and finished 10th in the Under 10s British Youth Championships last year.

Mr Sampson, who in his youth was a competent fencer, said: “Dominic really enjoys his fencing and – with the valuable support of his coaches Peter Cormack and Louisa Miller - has the potential to do very well.”

Arnold Lodge headmaster David Williams said: “Dominic has been with us since he was three and we have watched his progress in this sport with interest – and with pride. He serves as a great inspiration to the members of the school fencing club.”

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