11/06/2010 News! Backing Talent athlete nominated for competition

A young fencer who recently took part in the Trust's latest Backing Talent programme at Filton College, Bristol has been shortlisted for the British Airways Great Britons competition.

The competition will help talented people by giving away hundreds of flights in the run up to London 2012. Jenny has been shortlisted in the Sport category and needs your support to be in with a chance of winning.

Jenny is part of the GB U20 squad and in the 2008/09 season finished in 5th place. In June 2009, Jenny broke her fencing arm elbow in a riding accident which put her out for 9 weeks. Jenny said, " The injury meant I could not fence the Senior Nationals in July 2009 (the first ranking competition of the new season), but not able to fence, I referreed!"

Despite this setback, Jenny was part of the gold winning England team at the UKSG in September 2009, won the U20 National Championships at the start of October and two weeks later came 28th at the first Junior World Cup ranking event in Bratislava followed closely by coming 22nd (individual) and 4th (team) in the Junior European Championships.

Jenny said, "By winning the Great Britons prize I would be able to compete at more competitions abroad, which is essential if you want to become a great fencer.

"In fencing, you have three minutes to assess your opponent, find their strengths and weaknesses, figure out your mode of attack and score five hits so you win the poule fight. Each country has its own style of fencing and each fencer their own individual traits so there is no substitute for experience!"

To vote for Jenny, please visit www.greatbritons.ba.com/users/1343

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