I am really pleased to say that I have started a new sponsorship with Brampton Manor, as an addition to the support I receive from Steria Ltd. Brampton Manor kindly allow me access to their facilities and so I will be visiting it frequently to use their squash courts for fencing lessons, their gym and the swimming pool (and probably the sauna and jacuzzi - for performance reasons only!). I am really pleased to become a member of Brampton Manor, not just because it is a central hub of the community, but also because Brampton Manor was the first business who supported me as part of the Going for Gold Scheme for school children in the area in 2005/06.
Monday 18 July 2011
A bit of a change
"Here is a little update as I have neglected my blogging duties somewhat recently. My past year in London has seen a huge improvement in my technical and tactical aspects of my game along with a deeper understanding of fencing as a whole. I have been selected for all the competitions over the season and having more time since finishing my degree has allowed me to become stronger, fitter and faster. It has however, come to the end of the season which has been disappointing with regards to my individual results. Whilst I have fenced with increasing confidence in the team matches, my individual performances are not yet reflecting my training, as anxiety has obstructed my way.
British Fencing has also gone through some structural changes this season which has seen a few changes in training schedules and coaching leading up to the European Championships. One of the decisions was to change the women's epee team a little, meaning that I was reserve for the GB team. Although this was a huge disappointment, it can also provide many reasons with which to look upon the experience in a positive light. Firstly, it changes the anxiety of not 'making-it' into a hunger to make it: I have less to lose. Secondly, it allowed me to attend the Championships as a spectator (16th July) and have an objective view of those nervous fencers and the successful fencers without having my own nerves and thoughts of my own performance, as I usually do when I am at the competitions. Thirdly, it has provided me with a little respite to gather myself and get my thoughts clear without a looming Championship during a time when my confidence in my ability is not at an all-time high."
With this time to review my performance and attitude, I have decided with the support of my team, and of friends and family, that I will return to the North. London provided me with the skills and the volumes of training I needed and now I need to focus on the mental side and return to the familiarity and the comfort and happiness I will gain from home to perform at my true standard - when it matters.
There is still the Women's Epee Team Event tomorrow (Tuesday, 19th)and I am certainly looking forward to supporting GB at the Institute of Sport (Sheffield). If you are free, it "kicks off" at 9.30 am and we would really love as much support as possible for a full home-advantage effect.
British Fencing has also gone through some structural changes this season which has seen a few changes in training schedules and coaching leading up to the European Championships. One of the decisions was to change the women's epee team a little, meaning that I was reserve for the GB team. Although this was a huge disappointment, it can also provide many reasons with which to look upon the experience in a positive light. Firstly, it changes the anxiety of not 'making-it' into a hunger to make it: I have less to lose. Secondly, it allowed me to attend the Championships as a spectator (16th July) and have an objective view of those nervous fencers and the successful fencers without having my own nerves and thoughts of my own performance, as I usually do when I am at the competitions. Thirdly, it has provided me with a little respite to gather myself and get my thoughts clear without a looming Championship during a time when my confidence in my ability is not at an all-time high."
With this time to review my performance and attitude, I have decided with the support of my team, and of friends and family, that I will return to the North. London provided me with the skills and the volumes of training I needed and now I need to focus on the mental side and return to the familiarity and the comfort and happiness I will gain from home to perform at my true standard - when it matters.
There is still the Women's Epee Team Event tomorrow (Tuesday, 19th)and I am certainly looking forward to supporting GB at the Institute of Sport (Sheffield). If you are free, it "kicks off" at 9.30 am and we would really love as much support as possible for a full home-advantage effect.
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