GB Number 1, Jai Birch, and fellow GB U20 International, Rajan Rai made history by taking a Team bronze at the 2016 Junior World Fencing Championships, held in France. They fenced with sheer guts and determination to beat the World number 1 ranked junior team, the USA, in the last 8 before losing to the eventual gold medalists, Japan, in the last 4.
They then went on to beat Latvia in the fight off for bronze for a fantastic end to their season and junior careers. Rajan and Jai now move on to seniors. Well done Raj and JaI!!
Congratulations also to Newham Swords Head Coach, Pierre Harper, who played a major part in this result having worked hard with Jai for the last ten years and with Raj for the last 6. Pierre can now add this outstanding achievement to the silver medal gained by the GB Men’s Foil Team at the 2010 Cadet European Championships, the bronze medal gained by the GB Men’s Foil Team at the 2013 Junior European Championships, and the gold and silver individuals medals won by Paul Wedge and Tony Bartlett at the 2016 World Veteran Championships – a truly World Class coach!! Well done Pierre!!
