Fencing: Cook goes it alone and makes point in fencing

Strength in the face of adversity has rarely been so rewarded as in the case of British Fencing champion Keith Cook.

Unfazed by his critics, Cook has just returned from a World Cup event in Cuba where he managed to secure a place in the last 32 from 161 fencers in competition before falling to defeat. The former Broughton High School pupil, who also unveiled his own fencing business in June last year, is grateful for his own positivity which has put paid to any existing negative vibes.

"For the entire time I have been involved within fencing people have asked why I bother competing," said Cook. "Many would question my reasons for wanting to pursue a sport they thought lacked any credibility but I knew I had potential. Unfortunately, having to self-fund the trips abroad I make to compete is costing me the best part of a thousand pounds.

"However, I wouldn't sacrifice that sort of money if I didn't think I could challenge against the best out there. I have beaten an Olympic champion as well as the current number five in the world in previous competitions so it's good to show the people who have tried to knock me down."

Despite being recognised as the current British champion, a title the 30-year-old hopes to retain in October, Cook's decision to abandon his weekly commute from Edinburgh to London and full-time training with the Great Britain Olympic Pathway has come at a cost. An arduous decision to remove himself from the group as of December last year, British Fencing retracted the contributions they had previously been so generous to offer.

"It was putting a lot of pressure on my family spending so much time away from them. I think it worked out I was away 160 days per year training and entering competitions. It was extremely financially challenging and I also wanted to start my own business so something had to give. I'm still on the Olympic team, however, it just means when we (Great Britain team) travel abroad to compete, I don't receive any financial support like my team mates do or have the use of world class coaches."

The use of plastic and foam sticks means 'Fencing Fun', the name given to Cook's own business, offers a safe alternative for participants to experience the sport first-hand. Assisted by Sean Walton, former team manager of the Scottish national side, as well as the Active Schools network, the club appear sufficiently equipped to provide their young clients with a proficient learning programme.

"The problem with fencing in this country is nobody really knows where they can learn the basics. I saw a niche to start working with primary school children but wanted to see the potential interest before making any decision. We now work really closely with Active Schools and I can't praise their commitment enough. They do a really good job promoting the sport and market it as a fun activity for the kids to try. I'm pleased to say we're now running classes in 28 primary schools throughout the city so it seems to have really taken off." British Fencing's high expectations for the London Olympics next year holds no qualms for Cook. Success in the team or individual event would ultimately propel Cook into British Olympic history. He said: "The team is now bonding really well where we all share the same dream and to stand on the podium with a medal. I personally would rather win an Olympic title as opposed to the world championships as there is just something more special about the games."

n FOR further information about the 'Fencing Fun summer camps' running in July and August, please visit www. fencingfun.co.uk or contact Keith Cook directly on 0792 185 3728. The metal fencing club known as 'Salle Holyrood' is also open to adults and children and is looking for beginners.