Hi, my name is Andra, I’m 14 years old, and fencing has become one of the biggest parts of my life.

I started fencing about two and a half years ago, soon after I began secondary school. That same year, my family and I moved home, and my parents were looking for an activity I might enjoy. At first, I wasn’t too sure, the lessons were with plastic foils, and I didn’t like them much. But soon, when I got to use a real weapon, everything changed. I completely fell in love with fencing, with the speed, the precision, and the way it challenges both your mind and your body.

What began as one evening a week quickly became four. Now, I train up to four times every week ,three sessions at Fencers Club London, in Rickmansworth, over an hour away by car, and one session at Epsom Fencing Club, where I first began. Most weekends, I’m travelling around the UK for competitions, and this year I’ve already taken part in over 40 tournaments across the UK, Romania, France, Poland, and Slovakia. I brought home over 14 medals, including:

Romanian National Champion (Team)

Silver Medal – Romanian Nationals (Team)

Bronze – England Youth Championships (U15)

Although I live and train in the UK, I proudly fence under the Romanian flag and am part of CSA Steaua Bucharest, one of Romania’s most respected fencing clubs. It makes me incredibly happy and proud to represent Romania abroad.

This season, I’ve been selected to compete in several European Fencing Circuits, in Gothenburg (Sweden), Budapest (Hungary), Nuremberg (Germany), Cabries (France), Poznan (Poland), Riga (Latvia), Sofia (Bulgaria), and Paris (France).

And my biggest achievement so far, the one that still makes my heart race is being selected to represent Romania at the World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey. Knowing I’ll wear my country’s flag on such a big stage is the proudest moment of my life.

Through fencing, I’ve also made amazing friends all over the world , people I’ve met at competitions who share the same love and passion for this sport. It’s a beautiful feeling to step onto the piste and see familiar faces, cheering each other on no matter where we come from.

I’m so grateful to my amazing coaches and the fencing communities in both the UK and Romania who believe in me. I also work hard at school and try my best to balance my studies with training and competitions.

My parents are my biggest supporters, they drive me to training and tournaments every week and do everything they can to help me chase my dream. It’s not easy to juggle work and the financial costs of fencing, but together we’re building the most beautiful memories along the way.

My dream is to one day represent Romania at the Olympic Games. I know it’s a long journey, but I’m ready to give it my all, to work hard, stay focused, and never give up.

How you can help

All the funds raised will go towards travel, accommodation, coaching, equipment, and competition fees, including referee taxes required by the fencing federation, for the European Circuits and the World Cup in Turkey.

Every kind word, every share, and every donation, no matter how small, helps me take one step closer to my dream.

Thank you from all my heart for being part of my journey!

Andra