Gilliver backing Cardiff Europeans to propel para fencing forward

The Tokyo Paralympic champion, 32, is one of the stars spearheading a 14-strong British team descending on the Welsh capital next week.

Gilliver is a seven-time European champion and has been a British para fencing trailblazer since first arriving on the international scene a decade ago, also winning five Paralympic silvers and two bronzes across Rio, Tokyo and Paris.

The Gloucester ace is passionate about growing the profile of his sport – plus Paralympic disciplines more broadly.

And he believes this year’s continental showpiece coming to British soil can help inspire the next generation to follow in his footsteps.

“I’m really passionate about it,” he said.

“Having these sorts of championships in our home country makes a big difference.

“The sport is really exciting, and the more people we can get to see the sport, the more can be engaged in it.

“From my perspective, sport has always captured my interest but it was always football, rugby or nothing else.

“But these small or niche sports can suit different people and do huge things.

“I’d love people that aren’t necessarily into those mainstream sports to find sports like this - that would be amazing.

“Not just from a fencing perspective, but from a Paralympic sport perspective – unfortunately we still face a lot of pre-conceived ideas that our sport is lower level.

“But every time someone actually sees what the top level looks like they see how fast and exciting it is and the work that goes into it.

“I really want to break down those pre-conceived ideas and misconceptions – people seeing how professional it is will really help the sport.”

Next week’s event will take place at the Sport Wales National Centre and marks the first time the European Championships have been held in Cardiff.

Gilliver struck quadruple gold at the Europeans in Warsaw four years ago before following that up with three more triumphs in Paris ahead of that summer’s Paralympics.

This year’s event in Cardiff is the first European-based qualification event for LA2028, with Gilliver eyeing up a tilt at a fourth Games across the Atlantic.

He’s relishing the prospect of laying down a marker and insists the fire still burns brightly after a hugely successful career.

“It’s really exciting,” he added.

“This is that first competition to kick off qualification.

“It’s nice to fully see where you’re at and show everyone else who you are on the world scene, so it’s a good one to get started on.

“We travel all over the world, so one thing I’m really looking forward to it having that support here and showing everyone what we can do. That will be really nice.

“Winning on home soil is a very different experience – I was lucky enough to medal at the last World Cup in Cardiff and that was a unique experience.

“That level of support really makes a difference so I’m really looking forward to it.”

The Para Fencing European Championships, supported by funding from UK Sport through The National Lottery, and Welsh Government, will be held in Cardiff on the 6th-11th October 2026, seeing athletes from across Europe compete in the first qualification event for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. For more information and tickets visit here