12 Oct 2026
Two St Albans fencers have struck gold for Great Britain at the Istanbul U17 European Fencing Circuit, while a third Academy athlete claimed a historic bronze.
Thea Joseph, who attends St Albans Girls’ School, and Karolina Kabelis, from Loreto College, were part of the Great Britain women’s team that won the U17 Cadet team event in Istanbul at the weekend.
The result continues a remarkable record for the Paul Davis Fencing Academy, with its athletes now having been part of the Great Britain team that has won the Istanbul Cadet team event three times in the last four years.
The Great Britain women’s team is currently ranked No. 1 in the European rankings, making the result particularly significant. The European Fencing Circuit provides important international experience for young athletes, with performances contributing towards selection for the European and World Championships.
The weekend also produced a landmark result for the Academy’s boys, with Jayden Woo, a student at Beaumont School, taking bronze in the U17 individual competition.
It is the first time a Paul Davis Fencing Academy athlete has won a boys’ U17 European Fencing Circuit medal.
Paul Davis, founder of the Paul Davis Fencing Academy, said: “This was an outstanding weekend for our athletes. To see Thea and Karolina win gold for Great Britain and continue the Academy’s strong record in Istanbul is a fantastic achievement.
“Jayden’s bronze is equally significant as our first boys’ U17 EFC medal. All three athletes have worked incredibly hard and are a great example of what can be achieved through commitment, teamwork and the right support.
“We’re also very proud that these athletes are representing local schools on the international stage.”
The Academy also acknowledged the contribution of fellow clubs Truro and Camden in developing athletes within the Great Britain team.
- The results add to the growing international success of the St Albans-based Academy, which supports young fencers from more than 55 schools across Hertfordshire and North London.
