British fencers foiled but shake-up will aid 2012 bid
A British fencing chief believes changes to the sport here can turn the men's foil team from European Championship also‑rans to Olympic medal contenders.
The British quartet capitulated in their quarter-final against Germany in Sheffield yesterday.
Laurence Halsted blew an 11-point lead against four-time world champion Peter Joppich in the final match - each team contest is split into nine individual duels - as the hosts went down 42-39. But Alex Newton, who was appointed performance manager in May, has planned significant changes in the fencing programme and expects the benefits to be seen at the World Championships in Catania in October.
"We're looking at the way our programme is structured, how we integrate sports science and sports medicine, how we manage our coaching team, how the weapons operate," said Newton. "I think some of the changes will get us nearer to the medal zone at the World Championships.
"Post worlds there will be a big review process to see if we can make that leap into the medal zone in London."
The manner of yesterday's loss was tough on Halsted, who recovered well in the subsequent wins over Poland and Austria which earned Britain fifth place.
