Camden's Richard Kruse So Close To Olympic Medal

Camden Coach Richard Kruse narrowly missed out on a medal in Rio today, finishing fourth in the men's Foil event. 
Richard (World no 6) had a bye through to the L32 and at that stage he saw off Hamid Sintes (ALG) 15-4.  In the L16 Richard had to beat off strong opposition from the Italian Andrea Cassara, winning 15-12.  In the last 8 Richard faught brilliantly to beat Gerek Meinhardt (USA) 15-13 taking him through to the Olympic semi final against Alex Massialas (USA).  Despite a good start from Richard the American (world no 1) proved too strong and came out eventual winner 15-9.  In the bronze medal fight off Richard fought Timur Safin (RUS), who had earlier beaten GB team mate James Davis in the L16.  The Russian built an early lead but despite an excellent come back from Richard he was closed out 15-13 forcing him in to fourth place.

This is the closest that any British fencer has come to an Olympic medal since 1964, we're disappointed for you Richard .....but very very proud !!

Laurance Halsted was Team GBs third fencer in the mens foil event; unfortunately despite having a bye through the L64 he lost his L32 match to Haiwei Chen (CHN) 15-9.

Camden FC wishes the boys the very best of luck for their team event on Friday

Richard v Safin in the bronze medal bout