Newport para fencer James Burke will make the short journey to Sophia Gardens next week as one of 14 British fencers competing at the Para Fencing European Championships in Cardiff. The 42-year-old will be supported by his daughter Amelia, 11, parents and sisters as he looks to build on his first international medal, won at a satellite event in Turkey this summer.
First time fencing in front of family
Burke has never competed at this level in front of his family, but he is focusing on his usual approach to secure a strong result. "For me, it's all about the process and how I handle each event," he said. "If I follow the process I've been working on, hopefully the results will come. It will obviously make it a lot more nerve-racking when your child and family are watching you – it's not something I've experienced yet."
"It will add a different dimension to competing – it will be great to have [Amelia] there to watch. I'm feeling really good – it's nice not to have to travel for a competition and just have to go down the road to fence. That silver medal in Turkey gave me great confidence and something to achieve to. It would be the pinnacle of my career if it all goes well."
Qualification event for LA2028
The championships will be held at the Sport Wales National Centre from 6th to 11th October 2026, marking the first time the event has taken place in Cardiff. It is also the first European-based qualification event for the LA2028 Paralympics in two years' time.
Burke took up the sport four years ago and has trained with the British team in Bath alongside Paralympic champions Dimitri Coutya and Piers Gilliver. He credited their support for his progress: "Working with Dimitri, Piers and Shah [Rashid] has really helped advance my development. I've learned an awful lot – they're such amazing teachers and have spent so much time helping me along."
Paralympic ambition
"When you get to fence with two of the best guys in the world, it really advances you so quickly. There's never any room for mistake - for my career so far, it's given me a great curve. They're both great teachers," he added. "It would be a top honour to fence for my country at a Paralympic Games – that's my future goal and I've just got to work hard to get to it."
The event is supported by funding from UK Sport through The National Lottery and the Welsh Government, with athletes from across Europe competing in the first qualification event for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
