Bermuda’s Rhys Swift and Fergus Wightman had an amazing experience in the United States when they competed at the International Fencing Federation Junior World Cup in Boston on Saturday.

While more experienced rival prevented them from progressing to the latter stages after competing in seven fiercely fought group bouts, the young fencers gained valuabke experience at the event.

Swift, 16, showed some great foot speed and tactics, scoring well against William Holz (USA), Giorgi Urushadze (Georgia) and Francesco Pagano (Italy), while also losing to eventual gold medal-winner Walter Ji, of the United States.

“I believe the tournament was a success and an invaluable experience,’’ Swift said.

“It’s not every day you get to try your skills against the world’s elite. Competing against these exceptional fencers helps me improve and gives me lots to work on going forward.

“I am also very grateful to our coach, Don Treanor, for the advice and support he gave us over the weekend. It was a huge help having him there.”

At the age of 14, Wightman was the youngest of the 82 competitors in a field of fencers mostled aged between 17 to 19, but he showed remarkable maturity and came close to unseating Denmark’s top seed while putting in solid displays against Eric Kwalwasser and bronze medal-winner Grant Dodrill, both from the United States.

“I usually compete against adults and so fighting against 19-year-olds didn’t overly phase me,’’ Wightman said.

“Being over six feet, I tried to use reach and hand speed to gain advantages where I could.

“Knowing I have nearly six more years to compete in the Junior Coupe du Monde gives me a sense of optimism that with hard work, a good work ethic and plenty of experience I will be able to be competitive at high levels in the future.

“For now, I am grateful to have had this incredible opportunity and the invaluable support of the Bermuda Fencing Federation.”