Palatinate fencer, Kira Roberts has entered her final year at Durham University as a Commonwealth Games gold medallist. Roberts (21) played a pivotal role in the England women’s fencing team that swept aside a strong Australian contingent 45/21 in the final of the sabre division.
Australia were never allowed to get a footing in the match as all three English players in the team comprehensively defeated their counterparts to take home the prize that was so highly expected of them.
The medal will sit pride of place next to the Junior Commonwealth Games gold medal, British Universities gold medal and Palatinate she won in her first year, earning her Durham’s Sports Women of the Year award.
Last year Roberts further repaid the faith shown in her after receiving the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for Sport by representing Durham at the extremely prestigious World University Games, ranking a respectable 36th.
Unfortunately for Roberts this time, the individual event didn’t go according to plan, losing to eventual winner and British number two, Joanna Hutchison, 15/11 in the quarterfinals. Roberts admitted it was a disappointing result considering her recent record against the 24 year old. “Over the last three or four months I have been consistently beating her, but nothing seemed to go right for me on the day,” explains Roberts.
Despite the frustration, Roberts is still ranked 8th in Britain for her division and has her sights set on an Olympic appearance in 2016. “Unfortunately I had to choose between London 2012 and University, and as there’s not much money in fencing the decision was almost made for me. However, I believe I will have a chance of medalling at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro,” she told The Palatinate.
Closer to home, Roberts is still putting as much pride into her domestic fixtures as her international ones. The women’s 1st team got off to an impressive start in the BUCS Northern Premier League by avenging last years defeat at the hands of Edinburgh.
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