11-year-old fencing star Oscar Crellin is celebrating being picked to represent Yorkshire at the prestigious national championships.
Harrogate fencing star to represent Yorkshire at national championships An 11-year-old fencing star from Harrogate has been picked to represent Yorkshire at the prestigious national championships. Oscar Crellin, who is in Year 7 at Ripon Grammar School, was selected for the British Youth Championships after claiming bronze in the Under-12 Men’s Foil at the Yorkshire Youth Championships. Oscar narrowly missed out on a place in the final after winning all his group matches to reach the semi-final, which ended in a tense, sudden-death 6-7 match. He said:
“It was really close. It was frustrating not to get a shot at the Yorkshire title, but I'm happy to be selected for the BYCs, which was my main focus of the competition.”[caption id="attachment_99797" align="aligncenter" width="1005"] Oscar Crellin finished 17th at his first English Youth Championships last year.[/caption] The 11-year-old has been fencing with Harrogate Fencing Club for the past five years, taking part in competitions all over the country from the age of six. He finished 17th at his first English Youth Championships last year, and currently sits just outside the top 20 in the England rankings. Oscar said:
"I'd like to see how far I can progress. The club is really supportive, with such a family atmosphere. It's the same at competitions - you make really good friends, although you still want to beat them on the day!"Oscar, who is from Harrogate, joined Ripon Grammar from Highfield Prep School where he was sports captain. He juggles his fencing success with lots of other sports, including football and tennis. He said:
"I play upfront for Pannal Sports Juniors. We've only lost one match this season, and I hope I can retain the golden boot this year. "It's a great team to play for and the coaches are brilliant - really calm and they try to get the best from everyone. "That's how you improve in any sport - have the best coaching and put the hours in."He spends around ten hours a week in training and matches across all sports, plus another five hours if there's a fencing competition. He added:
“It sounds a lot, but I enjoy it and it's really rewarding when you get a win, whether that's on a podium, with your team or just improving your performance.”*British Fencing’s 2024 British Youth Championships will be held in Sheffield on May 4 and 5 Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

Mayor says 'dictator' comparison by North Yorkshire councillor was 'offensive'
Harrogate sports therapist opens new performance hub
Harlow Carr's Glow trail to celebrate 10 years with new displays
Harrogate's Cairn Hotel goes on the market for £6million
Knaresborough beauty salon celebrates 20th anniversary
Charity golf day raises £2,500 for Harrogate Meals on Wheels
Local Lotto celebrates eight years of supporting good Harrogate causes
North Yorkshire faces major challenge to prepare Local Plan in 30 months
New owner and name change for Knaresborough coffee shop
Sarah Barry joins Your Harrogate as new Managing Director
The Orchid in Harrogate celebrates award win with a 25-year first
Harrogate MP urges community groups to bid for new Government funding
Independent Harrogate sewing shop celebrates first anniversary
Harrogate care home to host charity dog show this weekend
Harrogate train station among UK's best, according to new research
Knaresborough vet backs new rules to tackle rising pet bills
Ripon head boy appears on Channel 4's The Piano
Harrogate Spring Water to appeal refusal of bottling plant expansion
£350,000 rebuild approved for collapsed wall in Knaresborough
Poets take centre stage in Ripon for National Poetry Day


