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Fencer sharpens up for Olympic future
Dreams ... East Boldon fencing starlet Aiden Dickinson.
A SOUTH Tyneside student is hoping to represent Great Britain for a second time as he dreams of future Olympic glory.
The skilful blade work of Aiden Dickinson secured him a place in the national Under-17 Cadet squad last year.
Now the 17-year-old, from East Boldon, hopes that success in the North East Regional Competition, held at Northumbria University in Newcastle on Sunday, February 26, will lead to selection for the national men’s Under-21 junior class in Germany next year.
Aiden, a sixth form student at The King’s School, Tynemouth, took up the sport to keep fit four years ago.
He said: “I took up fencing to keep up a healthy lifestyle. It’s an unusual sport, and great all-round exercise.
“It’s about mental agility as well physical speed and flexibility.
“Fencing is fun, relieves stress and is different to all the other sports I’ve tried. Finding that I have ability has made me keen to improve my skill and technique.
“I’d love to be selected for the national squad, but I’m also hoping to win the regionals to gain a higher seeding for the nationals.
“Another international competition would bring me a step closer to my ambition to make the next Olympic squad in 2016.”
King’s fencing instructor, Paul Clarke, said: “Aiden is an ambitious and talented fencer with a real passion for the sport. He deserves to succeed.”
Aiden fences with Team Newcastle, and his hard work and commitment have won him the Leon Paul Junior Series at Under-17 level on two separate occasions.
He has also coached his 12-year-old brother Matthew to gain fifth in the Europe and English Epee Championships.
Twitter: @shieldsgazettefenc
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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