Great Britain’s fencers have warmed up for Rio in fine style, claiming a bronze medal in the European Championships in Poland.
The trio of 2014 European foil gold medallist James-Andrew Davis, Richard Kruse and Laurence Halsted made their way through to the semi-finals of the team foil event with a 45-17 win over Sweden in the round of 16, before downing Germany 45-34 in the quarters.
Up against Italy in the semi-finals, the 2014 European silver medallists were too strong for the Brits, who fell to a 45-28 loss.
Coach Andrey Klyushin changed things round for the bronze medal match, with Marcus Mepstead replacing Davis in the lune-up, and it worked wonders as his side ran out 45-28 winners over 2015 champions France.
The quartet of swordsmen will all be on the plane to Rio for the Olympic Games in August and Halstead said the medal was reward for years of hard work.
“I have a lot of pleasure fencing with these guys and it’s been a long time coming,” he said.
“We’re making the most of every moment. It was great to beat the French on the finals piste.”
Italy lost the final 45-42 to Russia. Sportsbeat 2016