Millfield fencer wins international fencing competition

Millfield fencer Steffi Berndt De La O has won the prestigious International Fencing Epee Cup in Dubai.

Year 9 Steffi won the competition, which took place from 3-4 December at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai, under the guidance of World and Olympic Champions, Katrina Lehis and Nikolai Novosjolov.

Sports scholar Steffi was presented the trophy by The Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with other members of the Royal family.

Thirteen year old Steffi joined Millfield Prep School in Year 7. She said, “It was an incredible competition with so many excellent fencers. I am grateful for Director of Sport, Dr Scott Drawer, my houseparent Mrs Butt and Miss Starling my group tutor for trusting and supporting me so I can attend this important competition as well as Mr Cleary, Head of Fencing, for giving me opportunities to train.”

Head of Fencing, Mike Cleary, said, “It is always great to have students take the initiative to enter external competitions. Steffi has not only had the opportunity to compete with fencers from other countries but also to train and work with Olympians. It has been a fantastic opportunity for Steffi to experience the international fencing community and bring back new ideas to share in the fencing salle.”

Fencing at Millfield is a popular sport with students of all ages participating recreationally and at national and international level. Our fencing facilities include a purpose-built Fencing Salle containing ten training pistes each served with full electronic data recording equipment.

Learn more about Fencing at Millfield here.