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Silver Paralympic fencing medal for university ambassador

Piers Gilliver, a Team GB wheelchair fencer and University of Gloucestershire Ambassador has won a silver medal at the Rio Paralympics.

21-year old Piers achieved a silver medal in fencings’ Cat A epee final and only missed out on the gold medal by a couple of points after being edged out 15-13 by China’s Sun Gang in the Carioca Arena on Tuesday (13 September).

Piers became the first British wheelchair fencer in 24 years to win a Paralympic Games medal.

The University of Gloucestershire are to host Piers, provide support for his training and he will act as an Ambassador for the university.

Piers said: “I really wanted the gold but he was the better athlete on the day. Still, a Paralympic medal is a real dream and he’s such a tough competitor. It’s my first Paralympics and I thought I coped well with the pressure and really excelled.”

Dr Anita Navin, Head of School for Sport and Exercise at the University of Gloucestershire, said: “The University of Gloucestershire have committed to support Piers with his training in fencing and the staff in sport are thrilled he secured a silver medal in Rio last night. We have a true sportsman here and someone who certainly will continue to develop as an Olympian and be ready for more success I am sure in Tokyo 2020. Piers will be an Ambassador for our work and has committed to inspire our current and future students to engage in sport for both personal and career benefits.”

Gilliver will be back in the Carioca Arena today (14 September) as he competes in the men’s Category A foil competition.

Follow Piers on Twitter @PiersGilliver