ParalympicsGB announces Wheelchair fencing squad for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Defending champion Piers Gilliver is one of four highly experienced Wheelchair fencers selected to represent ParalympicsGB at this summer’s Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Gilliver, Dimitri Coutya, Oliver Lam-Watson and Gemma Collis will line up in the French capital having all shown terrific form already this season – including winning eight medals between them at the European Championships earlier this year.

Paris 2024 will be Gilliver’s third Paralympic Games, having won silver at Rio 2016 before going on to claim ParalympicsGB’s first Wheelchair fencing gold medal in 33 years at the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Games.

Last year the 29-year-old suffered concussion which severely affected his ability to train and compete, but the talented Gloucestershire athlete was back in action at the World Championships in October to successfully defend his global title, adding a further two individual European titles in March this year.

There are three disciplines in Wheelchair fencing, based on the type of sword used – the Foil, the Epeé and the Sabre. In the Foil event, fencers are only permitted to strike the trunk area of the opponent, whereas in the Sabre and Epeé, anywhere above the waist is a valid target area.

Gilliver, who will compete in the Men’s Category A Sabre and Epeé events as well as the team Foil and Epeé competitions, said: “It means so much to be selected for ParalympicsGB once again. This will be my third Games but each time just feels so special. Tokyo 2020 was an amazing Games and went a lot better than I’d expected, but now I also feel like I’ve improved a lot since Tokyo and I want to defend my Epeé title in Paris and also go for gold in the individual Sabre. I think we’ve got a good chance for medals in the two team events too.”

London-born Coutya said: “It’s absolutely incredible to be part of one of the largest teams heading to one of the largest events in the world - it’s such an exciting experience. In recent weeks I’ve been reflecting on how different each of my Games experiences have been – and this time in Paris, being more of a home Games with friends and family there to support – I’m so excited to get going.”

Double Paralympic medallist Oliver Lam-Watson – who competed alongside Gilliver and Coutya in the team events at Tokyo 2020 – has been selected for his second Paralympic Games. The 31-year-old will compete in the Men’s Category A Foil and Epeé events, as well as joining forces with Gilliver and Coutya once again in the team competitions.

Gemma Collis completes the Wheelchair fencing squad for Paris 2024. The 31-year-old, who made her Paralympic debut at London 2012, will compete in the Women’s Category A Sabre and Epeé events. Collis claimed her first medal at a major championships when she won European silver this year.

Penny Briscoe, Chef de Mission at ParalympicsGB said: “Three years ago at the rescheduled Tokyo Games our Paralympic wheelchair fencing squad really made the nation proud. Piers, Dimitri, Oliver and Gemma have already shown what they are capable of this year, with impressive performances at World Cup events and on the European stage, and I can’t wait to see what they can achieve in Paris this summer.”

Wheelchair fencing squad

Piers Gilliver - Men’s Cat A Sabre & Epeé (from Gloucestershire)

Dimitri Coutya - Men’s Cat B Sabre, Foil & Epeé (from London)

Oliver Lam-Watson - Men’s Cat A Foil & Epeé (from London)

Gemma Collis - Women’s Cat A Sabre & Epeé (from Buckinghamshire)

Men’s Team – Foil

Piers Gilliver, Dimitri Coutya, Oliver Lam-Watson

Men’s Team – Epeé

Piers Gilliver, Dimitri Coutya, Oliver Lam Watson