Jon Willis

==Biography==

==Biography==

===Fencing career===

===Fencing career===

Willis began fencing at [[Hazel Grove High School]] after meeting Bob Merry, a fencing coach who encouraged him to take up the sport. His father, a postman, was also keen on sport.<ref name="Independent">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/2012-olympics-hopefuls-jon-willis-fencer-445686.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/2012-olympics-hopefuls-jon-willis-fencer-445686.html |archive-date=14 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=2012 Olympics hopefuls: Jon Willis, fencer|date=22 April 2007|work=The Independent|accessdate=8 September 2009 | location=London | first=Alan | last=Hubbard}}</ref> Willis joined an after-school club, where he won a team foil competition. Following this he took part in three Under-15s competitions: he won two and came second in the other.<ref name="Independent" /> At this point Willis still considered fencing to be "a bit of fun", although he continued it because of his height. He decided that [[épée]] was the weapon best suited to him and entered a North-West Under-16s event, which he won.<ref name="Independent" /> The first senior competition Willis took part in was the Merseyside Open, in which he reached the quarter-finals.<ref name="Independent" />

Willis began fencing at [[Hazel Grove High School]] after meeting Bob Merry, a fencing coach who encouraged him to take up the sport. His father, a postman, was also keen on sport.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date= 2 August 2005 |title= Wiggins weighs his gold |url= https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/wiggins-weighs-his-gold-1079190 |website= [[Manchester Evening News]] |publisher= [[Reach plc]] |access-date= 7 July 2025}}</ref><ref name="Independent">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/2012-olympics-hopefuls-jon-willis-fencer-445686.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/2012-olympics-hopefuls-jon-willis-fencer-445686.html |archive-date=14 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=2012 Olympics hopefuls: Jon Willis, fencer|date=22 April 2007|work=The Independent|accessdate=8 September 2009 | location=London | first=Alan | last=Hubbard}}</ref> Willis joined an after-school club, where he won a team foil competition. Following this he took part in three Under-15s competitions: he won two and came second in the other.<ref name="Independent" /> At this point Willis still considered fencing to be "a bit of fun", although he continued it because of his height. He decided that [[épée]] was the weapon best suited to him and entered a North-West Under-16s event, which he won.<ref name="Independent" /> The first senior competition Willis took part in was the Merseyside Open, in which he reached the quarter-finals.<ref name="Independent" />

After this Willis approached Stockport Sword Club's head coach, Professor Andrew Vincent. Andy offered to coach Willis for free because Willis could not afford it.<ref name="Independent" /> Willis has been training with Vincent for 13 years. During this time he has gone through a variety of jobs, got a degree in mechanical engineering and obtained accountancy qualifications. He has won two Commonwealth Fencing Championship medals: a silver medal in 2002 and a bronze medal in 2006.<ref name="Independent" />

After this Willis approached Stockport Sword Club's head coach, Professor Andrew Vincent. Andy offered to coach Willis for free because Willis could not afford it.<ref name="Independent" /> Willis has been training with Vincent for 13 years. During this time he has gone through a variety of jobs, got a degree in mechanical engineering and obtained accountancy qualifications. He has won two Commonwealth Fencing Championship medals: a silver medal in 2002 and a bronze medal in 2006.<ref name="Independent" />