James Honeybone

Name: James Honeybone
Age: 21
Place of birth: Truro
Current hometown: Truro
First Senior International major event: May 2008
Current world ranking: 73rd
 
Is this your first Olympics?
Yes!
 
How did you feel when the BFA contacted you to tell you that you had been selected for the GB Olympic fencing squad?
It was just a crazy moment. There are no words to describe the feeling.
 
Where were you when you were given the news?
I was in Madrid at a world cup. I was with my girlfriend and after I got the call I just couldn’t seem to get the words out to tell her.
 
Who did you tell first?           
My girlfriend and then I called my Mum, and I couldn’t seem to tell her either. I just choked up!
 
How do you feel to be representing Great Britain in your home country?
It is every athlete's dream to represent their country in an Olympics, but its even more amazing in your home country.
 
What aspect of being part of the Olympics are you most looking forward to?
I’m most looking forward to the competition!
 
What do you expect the atmosphere to be like?
I love a big crowd, and to have the home advantage with a crowd of 9,000 should be incredible.
 
What is your goal for the Olympics?
I think if I perform to the best of my ability, anything is possible.
 
What will it be like staying in the athlete’s village?
I will find out on the 25th!
 
Are there any Olympic sports which are known for having particularly rowdy / partying athletes in the village?
Not that I know of! But im sure there will be lots of cool people to celebrate success with!
 
How is the team going to be preparing together over the summer?
We are in the GB holding camp at Loughborough 18 – 25 July and then we move to the Olympic Village. We are training hard with our sparring partners and working together as a team to prepare.
 
What will be your main area of focus in the build up to the Olympics?
I’ll just be focusing on my fencing!
 
Is your training routine going to change at all? How?
The location will change from home. But as far as training goes I’ll be trying to keep everything as normal as possible.
 
Is your diet going to change? What will it be?
My diet will stay the same. I’ll be eating as much as possible!
 
Do you have a special breakfast on the morning of a competition?
I always have coffee and pancakes before a competition.
 
What will be key to your success on the day?
Success will really only come from fencing well!
 
Other than fencing, which sport are you looking forward to seeing most at the Olympics?
Great question! There's loads I want to see, so I’ll be watching anything I can get tickets to!
 
What will be the Olympic legacy for fencing?
Hopefully multiple medals, and a new interest in fencing in this country!