Josh recently competed at the Australian Intermediate School Boys Championship in Brisbane.

The Chevalier College Year 8 student emerged with gold and silver medals.

He qualified for nationals after winning the NSW Under-15 School Boys Epee Championship earlier this year.

Josh fenced several hard-fought preliminary bouts at the national titles against competitors from other states.

The Highlander emerged to claim the national title ahead of fellow NSW representative William Zeng, of Sydney Boys High School.

Josh and William went from foes to team mates for the senior boys epee team event.

They combined with Bowral High School's Peter Sullivan and Isaac Hayes, of St Joseph's Christian College, Newcastle.

Josh, William, Peter and Isaac secured a strong victory over Queensland B in the semi-final.

However, the NSW team was unable to beat Queensland A in the final, but was rewarded with a silver medal.

Josh started fencing competitively three years ago and is a member of Southern Highlands Fencing Academy.

In addition to local training, Josh travels to Sydney once a week to train as a permanent member of the NSW Fencing Squad.

He also attends training camps at the AIS in Canberra, at the invitation of the Australian Fencing Federation, as part of a junior fencer development program.

The Southern Highlands Fencing Academy has a proud tradition of developing young talent and many local fencers have won state and national titles.

Academy members have also represented the country as members of the Australian fencing team at international events such as world cups and world championships.

With his recent wins, Josh has taken a big step onto the representative path of his predecessors at the club and he hopes to continue to follow in their footsteps.

By Tracy Jordan