The season began with a two-day competition which took place at Stratford. On the first day Teresa contested the adult Hamlet Open fencing competition finishing 16th, well within the target for those to be considered for the under 20 British team. That result also meant she is currently the top Welsh fighter under 20 years.

The second day of the event was a qualifier for under 17s. Teresa won five of her six ‘poule' fights and began her direct elimination round ranked third. In the final eight, Tess lost to a team-mate from Truro Fencing Club, eventually finishing fifth overall.

Proud mum, Maria, said: "Teresa was particularly delighted with the results of the first day as she fenced badly in the early rounds and was then ranked 37th, but fought her way through the direct elimination rounds taking out the 28th seed and then the fifth seed. It's a great beginning to the season.

"We were a bit worried that all the time Teresa spent training and competing might have affected her academic success but with a lot of support and understanding from the teachers at Truro High School she got 11 GCSEs - 1 A*, 7 As and 3 Bs - and has just begun her A level studies. It's such a good school and as a former Olympian, Caroline Pascoe, the headmistress, is an excellent role model."

Mrs Pascoe said: "It's been a busy first weekend of competition for Teresa but the outstanding results reflect the enormous amount of work she has put into her training in the last three months. We look forward to continuing to support both her A level studies and future fencing commitments."

Ends 3 October 2011

Photo: Teresa Norejko

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