Sponsored by
Fencing star Aidan aiming to land spot on GB squad
Aiden Dickinson hopes success in the North East Regional Competition will lead to selection for the National Mens U21 Junior class in Germany next year.
A TEENAGER is hoping to make a point of impressing judges and land a place on a Great Britain squad.
Aiden Dickinson, a sixth former at King’s School in Tynemouth, took up the sport of fencing four years ago to help him keep fit.
Last year he secured a place in the national under-17 cadet squad.
And now the 17-year-old hopes that success in the North East Regional Competition at Northumbria University on Sunday, February 26, will lead to selection for the national men’s under-21 junior class to be held in Germany next year.
Aidan, from East Boldon, 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: “Aidan is an ambitious and talented fencer with a real passion for the sport.
“He deserves to succeed.”
Aidan fences with Team Newcastle and his hard work and commitment have already won him the Leon Paul Junior Series at under-17 level on two separate occasions.
Aidan has also coached his 12-year-old brother Matthew to gain fifth in the Europe and English Epee Championships.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Whitley Bay
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.