Cambridge Fencer bound for Beijing Olympics

Alex O’Connell has qualified to compete in the Men’s Sabre Competition at the forthcoming Olympic Games. Having finished in 2nd place at the European Olympic Qualifying Competition in Istanbul, Alex has now had his place confirmed by the British Olympic Association and British Fencing.

Alex, a former Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) athlete in his second year studying Classics, has successfully balanced his studies with training and managed to maintain his place at the top of the British rankings, despite other athletes training on a full-time basis.

Commenting on his selection, Alex revealed that he had believed his decision to study for a degree at Cambridge had reduced his chances of competing in Beijing.

"I am very excited to have qualified and been selected for the Beijing Olympics. My long-term goal has always been to win a medal at London 2012. On deciding to accept a place at Cambridge, I accepted that this decision would not lend itself to qualifying for Beijing, but fortunately this has not been the case.

“Consequently, I’m very grateful to British Fencing for giving me the opportunity to qualify and for the support they've given me. I’m also indebted to my family, coaches and training partners. I’m so pleased that I’ve been able to repay the faith that has been shown in me.

“It will be an honour to participate in Beijing as part of Team GB and it will provide a fantastic stepping stone towards London 2012."

The news may also be good for another member of the Cambridge University Fencing Club, Anthony Crutchett (Downing College). Anthony, who is currently supported on the Government-funded TASS administered by the University’s Physical Education Department, has risen to Number Three in the Senior British rankings and should accompany Alex as a training partner to Macau on 31 July for a training camp prior to the fencing competition beginning on 12 August.

Tony Lemons. Director of Physical Education, said “The University is obviously delighted that Alex has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Beijing Olympic Games. His selection represents many hours of hard and disciplined training, which, combined with his University studies, have required total dedication. He fully deserves the rewards that will come his way and we wish him well in Beijing, which will hopefully be a signpost on route to a medal at London 2012.”