James Rose, from Chedgrave, attended the 2010 British Youth Fencing Championships and returned with a bronze medal.The event was held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield with James, 13, qualifying for the competition in third place at the Eastern Region Championships.

James Rose, from Chedgrave, attended the 2010 British Youth Fencing Championships and returned with a bronze medal.

The event was held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield with James, 13, qualifying for the competition in third place at the Eastern Region Championships.

James who lives in Chedgrave and attends the Hobart High School in Loddon went on to finish third winning a bronze medal in the U14 Boys' Foil, narrowly losing in the semi-finals 14-15.

The standard of entry for this event was extremely high however James was ranked eighth out of 64 after the initial seeding rounds winning five out of six matches.

James easily made it into the last 16 winning 15-1 and then 15-4 in the knockout rounds. His next opponent for a place in the last eight proved more difficult with James narrowly winning 8-7 with only seconds to spare.

A more comfortable 15-9 win ensured a place in the last four and a guaranteed bronze medal. The semi-final was a close match with the score ebbing and flowing between the two fencers.

James' opponent started to edge in front pulling out a lead of 11-14 but James fought back to level the match at 14-14. Ultimately the other fencer managed to win the match by scoring the final point.

James, who trains at the Norfolk Academy of Fencing in Norwich, prepared well for the competition, and prior to the event received additional support from the Norfolk Fencing Club.

James would like to thank his coaches Andrew Sowerby and David Beckham at the Norfolk Academy of Fencing for all their help, guidance and support in preparing for the Championships.