Ever since he picked up his first foil aged eight, Ross Ingleson has built a strong reputation as a local and national fencing cadet. The Wymondham-based youngster, who is currently combining competition with a course at Norwich City College, showed much sporting potential from a young age.

Ever since he picked up his first foil aged eight, Ross Ingleson has built a strong reputation as a local and national fencing cadet.

The Wymondham-based youngster, who is currently combining competition with a course at Norwich City College, showed much sporting potential from a young age.

He was a competitive swimmer for the Norwich Penguins - now City of Norwich Swimming Club - until he was 15 and still regularly takes to the water to keep fit.

However, it was fencing where Ross really stood out.

'I began fencing when my dad, who was a top schoolboy fencer, took me along to a 'come and try' day. I really enjoyed it and wanted to do more,' says Ross.

It was apparent from an early age he had an innate ability at the sport and wanted to take it further, according to his dad, Lloyd.

'It wasn't until he reached 13 that we realised he had an exceptional talent,' he said. 'The level of competitive fencing in Norfolk was below Ross' standards, so he set his sights on national events.

'It soon became apparent that Ross would have to improve substantially to be able to compete at national level. The standard of competition was much higher than he was used to back in Norfolk, and he had to work extremely hard to reach the ranking that he has today.'

Ingleson, 16, is currently sixth in the national cadet (under-17) rankings - no mean feat in a sport that has risen in popularity over the last decade.

Unfortunately, Ross' 2008 ranking of six was two places short of making the British squad for the European Championships to be held in Rovigo, Italy, this March.

But with such dedication to the sport and with the encouragement of his club, coaches and family, Ross is looking forward to progressing.

'I would like to be in the top three in the country, this would enable me to represent Great Britain at the Cadet World Championships in Belfast this spring,' added Ross. 'Overall, my goal is to compete in the Olympics.'

With ambition like that, the future is bright for Norfolk's fencing star.

Ben Mouncer