A FENCER is celebrating an unexpected medal on the national stage.

Nathan Williams exceeded expectations to clinch a bronze at the British Youth Championships at the EIS in Sheffield.

The 13-year-old came through the East Midlands qualifier to take his place at the big event under the guidance of his father Paul, who is a Advanced Epee coach with the British Academy of Fencing.

The teenager from Wingerworth Fencing Club won three and lost two of his fights in the pool stage, leaving him with a ranking of 37 going into the knockout rounds.

Proud: Nathan Williams with his bronze medal from the British Youth Fencing Championships

placeholder image — Proud: Nathan Williams with his bronze medal from the British Youth Fencing Championships

And it was then that Tupton High School pupil really showed his worth.

"We were hoping that finishing anywhere in the top 32 would be a good indication of where Nathan is in the national rankings,” explained Paul.

"He got through to the last 32, which was the minimum requirement, so when he then beat the no.5 seed to reach the last 16 we were happy and content, ready to go home and celebrate with a curry, but Nathan managed to win again and get into the last eight.

"In the quarter final there was just one hit in it. Nathan got through again and in the semi-final he ended up playing the no.1 seed in the country, who is very experienced.

Nathan Williams on the podium at the EIS in Sheffield

"Nathan had been nowhere near him when they fenced him earlier this year. The fact he took him to 9-8 this time with ten seconds to go shows the vast improvement he has made.”

Introduced to the sport by his dad, Nathan has been fencing for three to four years and won a Youth Series last year in Liverpool and Manchester.

But his most recent achievements at a higher level have taken him to 16th in the national rankings in his age group and closer to GBR selection, just like his Wingerworth clubmate Dylan Helme, who is also coached by Paul.

"If you get in top ten you start getting picked if there are any GBR events taking place,” he said.

"Once you have GB colours, and you’ve been picked to represent your country, it doesn’t matter whether you’re 26 or 96, you are entitled to wear GB colours, so that is a great thing to go for.”

Paul took up fencing when he stopped 5-a-side in his late 30s and he is now 60.

"I train other fencers but obviously when it is your son you are a bit more emotionally invested.

"It is hard to explain how proud I am,” he added.

Wingerworth Fencing Club caters for people of all ages, from juniors to seniors.

Adults sessions are at Sharley Park Leisure Centre on Wednesdays (7.15pm-9.30pm) and kids’ sessions at Queens Park Leisure Centre on Fridays (6.45pm-8.15pm).