TWO years after taking part in a 'have a go' fencing session at Okehampton College 18-year-old Christine Worthington is the new Devon under 20s county champion.
Christine's chance encounter with the sport led to her joining the fencing club at the college and she has not looked back since.
'I had never seen any fencing before but I thought I would give it a go,' she said. 'I really enjoyed it and found that it relieved stress.
'I used to have a horrible temper but it has plummeted since I started fencing.'
Christine said having a bit of an aggressive streak was an advantage but fencing was also very much about precision.
'When I first started I was all over the place,' she said.
Weekly training sessions at the club under the instruction of coach David Owen from Pyworthy have helped Christine and her fellow club members rise to a new level.
At the Devon County Championships at Lipson Community College the 18-year-old won the gold medal in the under 20s ladies and Richard Dean won a silver medal in the men's competition.
Christine came through 20 three-minute fights to take the championship and her reaction was one of 'shock and excitement.'
Coach David Owen said it was quite an achievement considering she was fighting with a 'foil' for the first time in a competition.
'There are three weapons in fencing and Christine primarily fences sabre,' he said.
'She had to basically overcome all her sabre training and aim with the point rather than coming in from the side with the slashing weapon. It is a difficult transition but she did it well.'
Mr Owen said it was the teenager's third competition but the previous events were really just practice.
'You come across many different styles of fencing in competition and Christine has learnt how to adapt to these,' he added. 'This win is great for her and will stand her in good stead for other events on the Devon circuit.'