A teenager from Alderley Edge has won an international fencing competition.
On December 4th Steffi Berndt De La O, 13, won the gold medal in the 2021 International Epee Cup after defeating Ayten Mohammed from Egypt at the Hamadan Sports Complex in Dubai.
The MK Fencing Academy International Epee Cup takes place every December, attracting over 200 fencers from more than 40 nations from around the world. The prestigious tournament was attended by Olympic champions including Katrina Lehis, Ana María Popescu, Nikolai Novosjolov.
Steffi is a former pupil at Alderley Edge Community Primary School and now attends Millfield School on a sports scholarship.
She told alderleyedge.com "I had so much fun and met amazing people like Katrina Lehis, Ana María Popescu and Nikolai . Specially Nikolai and Katrina were my mentors and friends. They believe in me and gave me the strength and motivation to win.
"This was one of the best experiences in my life and I wish to share it with everyone."
Her mother Alejandra De la O Tello added "For Steffi to win such a prestigious cup after struggling with the lockdown, I have confidence that every single child can overcome any obstacles as long as they believe in themselves. Steffi is not only an accomplished athlete but a kind person that likes to help others."
