A UNIVERSITY of Worcester student will mark a decade of love with sport after she was selected for the Wales squad to go to the Commonwealth Games.
Abi Watkins, who has just finished the first year of her Business Management and Human Resources degree, will compete in fencing at the Games in her first major senior competition.
Abi’s journey into the sport began during the London 2012 Games when she became engrossed in fencing, a sport cherished by her father.
“My dad had done fencing prior to me being born and when I was younger,” said the 20-year-old, who lives in Worcester city centre.
“I was sat with him watching the fencing on TV. He turned to me and said ‘do you want to give it a go?’ and I said ‘sure’ and I haven’t stopped since.
“I didn’t really know what it was, but obviously a 10-year-old and getting to play with a sword – it doesn’t take much convincing!”
Soon after Abi signed up to a local fencing club, the Malvern Hills Sword Club, where she still trains today. She specialises in épée fencing.
“Fencing is different for everyone individually on the day. It can be very infuriating especially if you know what to do. If your arm’s tired that day and won’t let you do it, but if anything that drives me more to make my worst days as best as possible,” she added.
Abi will also be coaching the Under-17 Wales fencing team at the Commonwealth Games after becoming a national coach earlier this year.