A budding fencing champion, who took up the sport to become stronger than her big sister, has come third in a national competition.

Niamh from Inglefield House won bronze at the Independent Schools Association’s fencing championships held at Millfield School in Somerset on Saturday, May 14.

The 9-year-old lunged and ducked her way to the podium in the U9 foil category, in which only hits to the torso count as points.

She said: “I was really excited to come third because last time I went to the competition I came in joint last position.

“I love the satisfaction when I win a fight.

“The last girl I was up against was hard to beat – she was really fast and smaller than me so it was hard to get her.

“I started fencing in Year 3 because my dad used to fence and he told me it was fun and exciting and that it gives you an adrenaline rush.

“My sister Freya is older than me and a lot taller.

“I thought if I started fencing that I might get stronger and maybe I’d be able to win when I fight her.”

Niamh practises her sword skills once a week at school.

She added: “I would like to fence professionally for Wales and going to the Olympics would be amazing.

“I would say ‘definitely do it’ to anyone thinking of taking it up.

“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication but it’s worth it.

“It builds up your core. Press-ups are part of my training, but not all the time – which is good.

“It makes you feel really good when you win a fight, I recommend it.”

Niamh used to be the only girl who fenced at Inglefield, but now the club has extended as three more girls have followed her lead.