Fencing: Beer to become NZ's first Olympic fencer

Jessica Beer will become the first women fencer to represent New Zealand at the Olympic Games after being named in the team at Auckland today.

She will also fly the New Zealand flag solo for the fencing team after being named as the solitary competitor.

Beer qualified in the women's individual epee after winning the Asia/Oceania Olympics zone competition in April.

New Zealand Olympic Committee Secretary General Barry Maister said it was great to see fencing back in the team.

"We all remember the fantastic performance of Martin Brill winning an Olympic diploma in finishing seventh at the Seoul Games in 1988.

"Jessica has recorded many creditable international performances in recent months and we fully believe she will perform with distinction in Athens."

The Aucklander will break a 12 year drought for the sport after Gavin McLean was the last New Zealand fencer to attend the Games in 1992.

Beer was excited about her Olympic opportunity: "It's overwhelming coming to terms with the reality of actually going to the Olympic Games."

- NZPA