News from the Land of Nylon

My first full day in artificial fibres: trainers, England tracksuit etc, trapped in a dim sports hall while the sun shines.

Today's competitors were from 20 countries, including India and Israel amongst predominantly East European countries.

Still, the first day of competition was enormous fun. It was girls' epee today. Some were nervous, others very cool: coaching is often a matter of knowing when not to say anything, of hanging back and letting the fencer cope (rather than rant and rave like some I saw today).

I was seriously impressed today. None of the girls underperformed, and two got to the last 16 of their age groups, and some met tough opponents earlier than they might otherwise have. Meanwhile, the boys played their part today: as slaves to the girls. They get their revenge tomorrow.

England fencer appears to aim for her own leg