MAY 8 - ALEX O'CONNELL (pictured) was today officially named in Britain's team for the Beijing Olympics after the Cambridge University student surprisingly earned himself a qualification spot.

 

The 20-year-old secured an Olympic fencing place for Britain after a brilliant performance in the qualifying tournament in Istanbul last month.

 

Not ranked in the world's top 120 in men's sabre, the O'Connell reached the final and although he lost it to Pole Marcin Koniusz, two Olympic spots were up for grabs.

 

O'Connell has now been given the nod to represent Britain in Beijing - becoming the 65th athlete confirmed in Team GB for August.

 

O'Connell said: "My long term goal has always been to win a medal at London 2012 and on deciding to accept a place at Cambridge University, I accepted that this decision would not lend itself to qualifying for Beijing, but fortunately this has not been the case.

 

"It will be an honour to participate in Beijing as part of Team GB and it will provide a fantastic stepping stone towards London 2012."