Georgia Manikum Hannay has fought off the competition three times to be crowned Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 foil champion of Great Britain in the last 12 months.

But she is not resting on her laurels because this weekend the 16-year-old is in Pisa, Italy, representing GB.

Next week, the 16-year-old from Redland will be flying to Malaysia to fight for Scotland in the Junior Commonwealth Games.

Then she will be back wearing the British fencing logo again in the European Cadet Championships in France next month.

"I am really quite chuffed to be Great Britain champion," said Manikum Hannay.

"It was an aim from an early age to reach the national titles.

"The main goal was to win the Under-17, but I was not expecting to win the Under-18. My aim was to come third in that competition."

Manikum Hannay hopes it won't be long before she's representing her country at the Olympics, but 2012 may come too soon.

Her coach Andy Martin has been with Manikum Hannay for seven years. He explained that fencers do not mature with the strength and technique needed to compete at the highest level until they reach their mid to late 20s or early 30s.

"By the time the 2016 games comes about Georgia will be in her 20s," Martin said.

"She will be 23 and that will be the optimum time in terms of her physical development. If things go to plan there is not a shadow of doubt that she will make it to the Olympics.

"It's not possible for the 2012 Olympics because the (fencing) association are looking at athletes who have the best chance of winning."