A cut above! Young UK fencer wins two gold medals

A decade ago in Budapest, a young girl’s passion for fencing was sparked as she watched the London 2012 Olympics on TV.

Little did she know that in a few short years she too would be competing in international sports championships.

Now 17, Hannah LeBor is celebrating three separate wins at this month’s cadet and junior Commonwealth Fencing championships in London.

Hannah Lebor (TEAM BIZZI)

Hannah Lebor (TEAM BIZZI)

Hannah, who is studying for her A levels at Yavneh College in Borehamwood, won two gold medals and a silver fencing for Team England.

“I saw fencing on TV in 2012 and thought it was cool and interesting,” explained the teenager, who trains four times a week at the Knightsbridge Fencing Club.

She first began fencing at a local club in Hungary where the instructors soon spotted her fledgling talent and put her forward for competitions.

Hannah, who now lives in Edgware with her journalist and novelist father Adam, mother Katalin, and brother Daniel, said she “wanted to do a sport that is intellectually stimulating, not just physically difficult.

“However it is difficult entering your first major championship because you have to compete with people in the age bracket above who can be as old as 21.

“It is a bit scary, but it gets you out of your comfort zone. I would even say that being young is an advantage because there is so much room for you to learn.”

Hannah Lebor

Hannah with her medals