University of Bath-based Paralympian Dimitri Coutya made history at the European Para Fencing Championships in Cardiff by becoming the first British athlete to win gold in all three weapons at a single championships.
The Team Bath star secured the Category B epee, sabre and foil titles, completing a remarkable clean sweep and extending his dominance on the European stage.
Coutya began by retaining his European epee crown for a fourth consecutive time, extending a remarkable run that stretches back almost a decade. He then secured his first European sabre title after overcoming a delayed final and a disrupted route to the gold medal match.
The historic hat-trick was completed when he defeated Italy’s Michele Messa 15-9 in the foil final to claim a third successive European foil title.
“I really didn’t know what to expect coming here,” said Coutya after completing his golden hat-trick. “I’m really happy to have come away with these results, but again, it’s a testament to the work that the team around me, and my friends and family, have put in to help get me into the shape I’m in today. A big thank you to all of them.”
Coutya also won two bronze medals in the new mixed team events, helping Great Britain reach the semi-finals in both epee and foil competitions.
Fellow British athletes Gemma Collis and Justine Moore also impressed in Cardiff, each winning three medals. Collis took bronze in the women’s Category A epee, while Moore earned bronze in the women’s Category B foil.
The championships highlighted the strength of Bath’s para-fencing programme, with eight members of the 14-strong GB squad training or receiving support at the University of Bath.
Photo: World AbilitySport.