On the 11^th and 12^th July, 130 athletes logged on as British Fencing’s Athlete Development Programme hosted its second virtual training camp, delivering 35 different sessions across the two days.

“I most enjoyed the video analysis sessions because I hadn’t done it before, so found it interesting to learn what other people look for when watching someone fence, as well as ways I could include movements I don’t normally include.”

Despite being unable to meet in-person and do live training, the Athlete Development Coaching Team has been adapting to the new online training environment, innovating their coaching with enthusiasm. The hard stop on in-person fencing activity has required everyone to slow down, reflect, and engage with the sport, and each other, differently.

Across the weekend there was a wide variety of activity that took place, with video analysis of world level fencing, complementing technical and tactical training sessions delivered via Zoom.

CEO Georgina Usher and Olympic Team Manager Johnny Davis led workshops on being a woman in performance fencing and improving equity in performance fencing respectively. Steve Petrie ran educational and practical strength and conditioning sessions on the importance of key muscle groups in competitive fencing.

The ADP Lead Coaches, Chris Galesloot, John Rees and Jon Salfield hosted forums for the personal coaches of ADP athletes, sharing how the Athlete Development Programme aims to support athletes and how it integrates with the work of personal coaches.

Meanwhile throughout the weekend, our partners the True Athlete Project hosted a range of sessions on topics that varied from what it means to be a self-sufficient athlete, exploring an athlete’s identity and values, and how mindfulness can be used to support performance.

British Fencing would like to thank the Athlete Development Team and Coaches for all of the work that went into organising the weekend and making it a success.

The athletes brought a great deal of enthusiasm and commitment to the event, and the Athlete Development Team looks forward to welcoming athletes back to the next training camp on the 29^th – 31^st August.

“Thanks for preparing such an inclusive and fun weekend, I really enjoyed it!”