Piers Gilliver

1. Tell us about yourself and how you became involved in Wheelchair Fencing?

I first started Wheelchair fencing in 2010, I was bored and searching for a hobby, I was looking through Google at different sports I could try, but having never been sporty before, nothing took my interest. Then when I came across wheelchair fencing, I was surprised and interested by its uniqueness, so decided to try! I first went to Cotswold Fencing Club near my home in Gloucestershire and instantly loved the sport.

From there, my training progressed from fencing club nights at various clubs, to training more with the British Disability Fencing team, to now where I am part of a full time training program based at Bath University

2. Can you explain the rules of Wheelchair Fencing?

A common misconception of wheelchair fencing is that we move up and down the piste like in able bodied fencing, but in fact our wheelchairs are clamped into a metal frame on the floor, and we use our bodies to lean and move within the chair to attack and defend.

There are also 3 different weapon events. In my main event “Epee” a point is scored by hitting the opponent anywhere above the waist. In “Foil” the target area is restricted to just the torso and there is a set of rules called “priority” which means if both fencers score a point at the same time, the referee must decide who’s point it should be. This can be gained by either starting the attack first, or by defending the opponent’s attack. These 2 weapons have a button on the end of the sword which mean hits are scored in a thrusting action. The final weapon “Sabre” has a similar target to Epee and the same Priority rules of Foil, but hits are scored in a cutting action

3. What does a regular training session look like?

My training sessions come in a variety of types and an average day includes a number of each sessions. For fencing specific there are sparring session where I fight against an opponent, I spar with a variety of people in my training centre; with my teammates and with able bodied fencers from Bath Sword Club, Bath University Club and Pentathlon GB. There are also coaching sessions where I work one to one with my coach to correct my technique and work on tactical situations.

Another important part of training the physical side so, for this I do gym, cardio and physio sessions to make sure I’m strong and fit enough to compete at the top level, and to be able to cope with the physical demands of fencing training so to avoid injury

4. How did it feel to win Team GB's first Paralympic Wheelchair Fencing medal in 24 years?

It really was a surreal feeling, In London 2012 I was a spectator watching the top wheelchair fencers and never thought I’d be able to compete on their level.

By the time of the Paralympics I was World No.1 and had won many competitions, but I knew the Paralympics were unlike any other competition and would be the toughest challenge yet, especially being World No.1 which meant big pressure for me and I was everyone’s target. So when I won my semi-final match, It really was an amazing feeling to realise I’d achieved my dream of winning a medal at the games, and it’s still sometimes hard to believe.

5. Who are some of your main competitors and can you tell us about them?

The biggest nations in Wheelchair fencing are China and Russia, and as such, my biggest 2 opponents are Maxim Shaburov of Russia and Sun Gang of China

Shaburov and I started Internationally at the same time, we fenced each other in many finals from the start, in Junior World Cups through to Senior World Cups and major Championships. We have very opposing styles, with his style being all about timing and long distance, and mine being based on closer distance and tactics.

Sun started internationally in 2013 but came out in force with a Medal at World Championships in his first competition, since then he has been dominant across both Foil and Epee disciplines. His style is very technical and fast. We have been in many finals together and is always 50/50 on who will win. Sun is the fencer who beat me in the Rio Paralympics but despite being very competitive with each other we’ve always been good friends with a strong friendly rivalry!

6. What are your goals for the next 5 years?

My goals for the next few years are gold in Epee in Tokyo and Paris Paralympics, in 2017 I started competing in Sabre too, since then I have started to medal in that event, so despite keeping my main focus on epee, I’m also keen to progress my competitive career in Sabre too.

In 2018 we also started competing in the team event, (this is where 3 fencers of each nation compete against each other to 45 points) despite being new to this event, our team has been successful, so its exciting to see how we can progress as a team!

7. If someone reading this is interested in taking up Wheelchair Fencing, what advice would you give them?

I would encourage anyone to try the sport, it’s a fast, unique and exciting sport that’s both physically and mentally challenging. Our federation, British Disability Fencing holds weekend training camps for fencers of all levels, from people who want to try the sport, to our GB Squad. Also most able bodied clubs are able to cater for wheelchair fencers so I’d recommend anyone to try!

8. How much of an impact does the media have in raising the awareness of disability sport and what do you feel could be improved?

I think the media is hugely important in promoting disability sport, unfortunately there are many misconceptions about disability and disability sport on all levels. I think the problem is that the media focuses too much on the stories of disabled athletes overcoming adversity and the problems they have. I think all Paralympic athletes want to be known for their top athletic feats, rather than an inspirational story. So, I think more equality with able bodied sport will make the biggest impact.

9. What is the biggest sacrifice you have made to achieve your goals?

It’s hard to put it down to one thing, I think being an athlete can be a tough job, its high pressure with a constant obsession on always making an improvement and making things perfect, so over the years I’ve sacrificed a lot to make sure my life is 100% focused on my fencing.

Its also important to remember how much support goes on around an athlete. For me, my family, friends, coaches and support staff have all made big sacrifices to help me get to where I am today, so I’m always hugely grateful to them

10. Wheelchair Fencing for you started as a hobby. How important is it for sponsors like Toyota to support grass-root clubs and continue the growth of sport?

I think it is very important that sponsors continue to support grass roots sport. It’s where we all start and find what suits us. At whatever level you do it, sport changes lives. It’s something to focus on, challenge us and make new friends. So I think the more support for grass roots the better. It would be great for everyone to be aware of all the disability sports available and be able to participate in them