Reeve Finch to Represent Guernsey at 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos

Reeve Finch, the sole fencer from Guernsey, will compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships scheduled for 9‑14 August in Lagos, Nigeria. Finch, who usually fences in the United Kingdom and trains with the University of Salford Fencing Club, previously trained at the Guernsey Fencing Academy and has taken part in events such as the British Fencing Elite Épée Series and the Mercia Novice Open. He was a silver medallist at the Guernsey Junior Championships (U14 Épée) and took part in the 2022 senior Commonwealth Championships in London.

Finch said his realistic goal is to enjoy the competition, have a few bouts and learn where to improve, while still hoping for a medal. He is grateful for financial support from his family and from Michael Van Den Bossche of the Medical Specialist Group, which enabled his travel to Nigeria. The championships, held every Commonwealth Games year since fencing was dropped from the main programme in 1974, are expected to attract hundreds of athletes from at least 25 nations.