Cardiff University student Dimitri Coutya crowned double World Champion

On Monday 7^th November, Cardiff University student Dimitri Coutya started competition at the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing World Championships in feat of the World Championship title. The World Championships are currently taking place in Rome, Italy, and span over six days to incorporate the different weapons and categories.

Dimitri, whose primary event is the Men’s Foil Category B, progressed through the various rounds to enter the gold medal contest against Anton Datsko, where we defeated the Ukrainian 15 – 9 to reaffirm his status as World Number 1. Dimitri made history as he is the first Foil World Champion in the history of Great Britain Wheelchair fencing.

Dimitri was quickly back in action the next day in the Men’s Epee Category B. Dimitri progressed through the rounds and faced Iraq’s Ammar Ali in the semi - final where he beat Ammar 15 - 12 to secure his spot in the final. Dimitri faced Italian Alessio Sarri in a closely contested final, however Dimitri came out on top and beat Alessio Sarri 15 -14, to win his second gold medal of the championships. Two amazing performances to become double World Champion!

Dimitri started at Cardiff University this academic year where he is studying Sociology. He is also part of our High Performance Programme, which provides avenues of support to aid both his academic and sporting career. Dimitri splits his training between Cardiff University and Bath, and in his first term here, he appears to be balancing both extremely well.

Dimitri’s results at the World Championships bodes well as he continues work ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where he will be seeking double gold!