Since the age of 12, I have trained at the UTS Fencing Club, I began learning foil for four years until I switched discipline in 2016 and transferred to Epée.
2. What was your most difficult moment in fencing and why?
My most difficult moment in Fencing was when I was first starting out as a foilist, after four years of training I was not enjoying foil as much as I thought I would. It wasn’t until I made a spur of the moment decision in 2016 and transferred to Épée that I started to train more regularly.
3. What was your proudest fencing moment and why?
My most memorable experience from fencing would be from three years ago. For many years I
dreamt of winning a gold medal, however year after year, my ranks were quite low, nevertheless
I promised to myself to continue training. It wasn’t until the day that I came first in New
Caledonia that I realised my success was a group effort, my teammates and coaches supported
us during competitions which helped us reach our goals and achieve a team Bronze medal for
Australia.
4. Favourite fencing food
My favourite fencing food is snacking on small pieces of 70% Cocoa Lind dark chocolate during
competitions.
5. How do you keep yourself motivated
As a full time student juggling work commitments, it is important that I manage my time
effectively so that I can harness my full potential.
I started fencing when I was 9-years old and joined UTS
Fencing Club’s Musketeers Program for Junior fencers. The first time I saw
fencing was on TV for an advertisement and I think it was the all-white outfit
and mask that really got me curious.
2.
What was your most difficult moment in fencing
and why?
I didn’t know it back then, but I think losing the drive and
purpose to fence when I was around 15-16. I was doing foil at the time and I
wasn’t very good at it which didn’t really help. I was very casual in my former
years so to pick up the discipline for it later on was quite difficult.
After starting university at UTS and going to O’Day I saw
that fencing was still going and I decided to go back and give it another go.
Best decision I’ve made in a long time!! 😉
3.
What was your proudest fencing moment and why?
I think coming back and really putting in the work to become
successful in the sport. Especially after starting a new weapon, not retaining
a lot of my previous ability and competing with athletes who have been doing
this since they were young too, it was hard for me to find my feet in the
beginning. Luckily for me, with the guidance of both the Club President,
Melissa and my coach, Min I was able to compete on a very high level within 2
years of my return. My best National result so far is earning a Bronze Medal at
the men’s U23 Sabre Championships and seeded first after pools.
I’m also happy to have put fencing on the map at UTS Sport,
after winning the individual and team sabre events at the Unisport Nationals
Div 1 (Unigames). UTS Sport has supported many of our fencing athletes and I’m
proud to have earned the 2020 Elite Athlete Program Scholarship as well as
joining the U23 Australia Fencing Team.
I’m still finding new challenges every day and always
setting new goals to achieve for the year. A lot of those goals have been put
on hold due to COVID-19 but I’m keen to continue to pursue them during late
2020 and 2021. My next big competition I’m hoping to compete in is the U23 Asian
Fencing Championships in Taipei. Fingers Crossed!!
4.
Favourite fencing food?
I almost always pack gummy bears, bananas or any other low
GI carb so that I can quickly eat and gain energy throughout a long competition
day. It’s important eat and stay hydrated throughout a competition because most
fencers won’t realise how much energy or sweat, they’ve lost after a few bouts.
5.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
It’s important for me to breakdown my larger goals into smaller goals that can be frequently achieved. When I came back to fencing in 2018, one of my main goals was to win a medal at a competition. At the time it was a very big objective as I haven’t won any individual medal at state or national level yet. I broke this down to more achievable goals such as frequently coming to training and going to competitions to gain experience. When things are done enough times, it becomes a habit. Prior to COVID-19 I spent at least 3-5 days fencing and 2 days at the gym. Seeing the results of my hard work turning into accomplishments keeps me motivated to do more.
This week we have two new links for you – firstly, a comprehensive fencing fitness piece by a strength and conditioning coach who works with fencers on the US National team, and secondly a series of agility exercises perfect for kids (and others!)
