The Alumni Legacy Behind Truro Fencing Success

For more than two decades, Truro School has quietly established one of the most successful fencing pathways in the United Kingdom. The results speak for themselves, with the school producing many national champions, international medallists, Olympians and representatives of Great Britain.

Yet, ask those who have gone on to achieve success around the world what made the experience special, and their answers have remarkably little to do with medals. Instead, they talk about community, opportunity, discipline, friendship and the unique environment that allowed them to pursue elite sport alongside an outstanding education.

As Truro Fencing Club enters an exciting new chapter under the leadership of the UK Fencing Project and newly appointed Head Coach Marius Dobel-Ober, the stories of its alumni offer powerful evidence of why Truro School continues to be recognised as one of Britain’s leading centres for fencing.

You can listen to Marius talking about his new role on BBC Cornwall News (07:42) here.

For 2017 leaver, two-time national champion and GB number two Maria Chart, now a Mechanical Engineer specialising in sustainable building design, Truro Fencing Club became much more than a sports club.

“Truro Fencing Club was the heart of my community when I was growing up, and still is in many ways today.”

Her memories stretch from early morning 7am training sessions before school to travelling across Europe with teammates to represent both Great Britain and Truro.

“The community that fencing at Truro School brought me, the experiences that I have had with this amazing group of people, and the opportunities it has opened up for me have all had a lasting impact on my life.”

Those sentiments are echoed by 2015 alumnus Will Deary, four-time British Champion, European Games medallist and former world top-30 fencer.

“There are countless memories from Truro Fencing Club, but one that always stays with me was competing at Excalibur as one of the younger members of the senior team. It was one of the first times I truly felt part of the club.”

Now working as a software engineer using cutting-edge artificial intelligence after roles at Deutsche Bank and technology start-ups, Will recently returned to elite competition after an 18-month break and immediately reclaimed the title of British Senior Champion.

One of the defining strengths of the Truro School fencing programme has always been its ability to support ambitious young people in balancing academic success with elite sport. Will credits that support as being fundamental to both his sporting and professional career.

“Having the club right at the school was hugely beneficial. I could finish lessons and go straight into training, while the staff were incredibly supportive when international competitions meant missing lessons.”

“Fencing taught me how to manage my time efficiently. I had to make sure my schoolwork was completed before training, and that structure is something I still carry with me every day.”

Maria agrees that the programme offers far more than sporting success, sharing, “It can widen your horizons and lead to opportunities to travel and grow that aren’t always easily available when you’re growing up.”

Few people understand the calibre of Truro’s fencing programme better than 2021 leaver Max Cromie. Having represented Great Britain at major European and World Championships, Max is currently completing postgraduate research at University College London while continuing to pursue his ambition of competing at the Olympic Games.

His assessment of Truro Fencing Club is unequivocal, stating: “It is one of the best in the UK. It has one of the most prolific records of producing Great Britain fencers who have represented the country at European and World Championships and the Olympic Games.”

He believes the culture of consistent, high-quality coaching was central to that success, saying: “We were one of the few clubs in the entire UK that trained five days a week.” Asked to describe the programme in just three words, his answer is simple: “Excellent. Supreme. Generational.”

While the medals and international selections are impressive, perhaps the greatest measure of the programme’s success lies in the careers its alumni have gone on to build. Will now develops advanced AI systems for a digital family office supporting athletes, entrepreneurs and artists, Maria works at the forefront of sustainable engineering and decarbonisation, and Max is researching sustainable construction materials while pursuing a career in the environmental and energy sectors.

Each credits fencing with helping shape qualities that extend well beyond the piste: resilience, discipline, focus and determination.

Truro Fencing Club is now entering an exciting new era. Following its transition to the UK Fencing Project, and the appointment of Marius Dobel-Ober as Head Coach, there is fresh expertise and renewed ambition for one of Britain’s most successful fencing clubs.

Working in partnership with Truro School, the club will continue to provide opportunities for pupils and the wider Cornish community, from those picking up a weapon for the very first time through to athletes with international aspirations.

With upgraded facilities, world-class coaching and a renewed commitment to developing talent, the partnership aims to build on an extraordinary legacy that has already produced dozens of national champions, numerous Great Britain internationals and four Olympians.

For today’s pupils, the opportunity remains exactly as it has for previous generations: to discover a sport that challenges both mind and body while becoming part of a community that lasts long after school has finished.

Anyone interested in trying fencing or re-joining the club is encouraged to get in touch and be part of this new phase in the club’s history.

For exceptionally talented fencers, our Truro School Fencing Scholarship Programme offers additional opportunities to develop sporting potential alongside academic success.

As Maria puts it: “Fencing is a fantastic sport that will challenge you physically, mentally and psychologically – and also give you the opportunity to have fun whilst hitting your friends with swords. We are so lucky in Truro to have a brilliant club with a history of success and world-class coaching.”

For Will, the advice is equally straightforward: “If you’re passionate about fencing and want some of the best training support you can get while studying, I can’t think of a better place than Truro School.”

If you would like to find out more about our fencing programme, scholarships or boarding opportunities, please get in touch with our friendly Admissions Team on 01872 246062 or email [email protected].