Hear from an Olympic athlete

How did you first get into fencing?

That's quite an interesting story.  I was in the Army and I enjoyed sport, but used to play more football and track and field events.  I was persuaded to start fencing by an ex Sergeant Major in the Army Physical Training Corps. He was 63, but still supremely fit, enthusiastic and in my eyes the epitome of real sporting champion. I came to fencing quite late, really, I was 16 and most people start around 8 years old.

What were some of the biggest challenges of your career?

In a combat sport, you perform as an individual but are part of a team.  I had to overcome a fear of letting people down in order to be able to concentrate on the moment and focus on the task in hand. Also, in the UK, fencing is seen as an elitist sport, it isn't part of our wider culture.

What is your proudest moment?

Beating Zolt Nemciek Hungarian gold medal favourite in the Sydney Olympics easily. And in front of my family and our then Sports Minister Kate Howey - he did not know what hit him!

How can we help young people to excel in sport?

I only became a fencer because someone believed in me and gave me the opportunity – we need to provide opportunities for young people, which is why I am involved in Sporting Champions - an initiative to bring young people into contact with top athletes, to motivate and inspire them.

What can sport do for local communities?

What can't it do? Sport is used for all kinds of community building – providing a basis for social interaction, improved fitness and even reduced crime.  We need to invest in facilities which give access to multiple sports opportunities so people can find something they connect with.  If it wasn't for sport, I would certainly have walked a different path in my own life.

What would you say to someone who didn't consider themselves 'sporty'?

If you don't find something you enjoy right away, try something else. It doesn't matter if you're not competitive, as long as you enjoy it.  Sport gives you so much back – it improves fitness, it's sociable and fun.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Don't think about what you opponent will do. Make him do want you want him to do.

What is your favourite food?

Any kind of pasta, simple quick and easy to prepare even I can do it.

Apart from sport, what was your favourite subject at school?

Good question! At school I really enjoyed RE because it gave you a chance to debate issues that really did not have a right or wrong answer. It meant being prepared to accept that you're not always right.  At college I studied public health and as I am now an NHS consultant in public health, so I suppose I had better say I enjoyed that!

James Williams will be opening the sports facilities at the new Rugby centre on Friday 13 May.