Philip Marsh

Philip Marsh produced one of the exceptional performances of our era in winning the U20 World Championship at the age of 16. His talent was always apparent, but this achievement surpassed anyone's expectations, and gave GB its first World Champion at U20 level for thirty years. Phil had been injured earlier in the season and not on his best form, but came back strongly to achieve 8th place in the U17 World Championship, and a few days later, to take Gold for Britain in U20s. In doing so, Phil dismissed many of the world's leading fencers, with style and with confidence. Phil's clam and quiet manner belies his remarkable ability as a competitor; modest, polite, respectful and showing an extraordinary level of humility, even after this astonishing achievement. He is truly an inspirational young man, and highly deserving of this honour.