Journey of a youth saber fencer

I started fencing when I was seven. At my first tournament, I barely understood what was going on. I remember standing on the strip, hearing the referee call “fence,” and everything felt faster than practice.

 

For a while, my goal was simple: win one medal. Not a national medal, not a big result — just one medal from any tournament. When I finally got one at a small club event, it felt huge. I still remember it because it was the first time fencing felt like something I could actually get better at.

 

As the years passed, I became more confident and experienced. I fenced more often, and before I knew it, I had earned a national ranking in the Youth 10 category. I remember the day I won my first tourney. Along the way, I learned that real achievement doesn’t always come from winning, it comes from persistence. With each competition, I discovered more about my strengths, how to handle pressure, and how to grow from loss.

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My journey did not end there. The next summer, I fenced at my first-ever Summer Nationals—the largest and most competitive tournament I had ever attended. The competition was of a level that I had never experienced before. I was facing some of the strongest fencers in the country. Even though I did not win, I took sixth place, overall, an incredible achievement for me. That big national medal now hangs in my closet, not just as a symbol of success, but as a reminder of how far I’ve come and the importance of never giving up.

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Same year I was honored to fence for Team USA in Pan American Youth Competition. After a lot of fencing and a  close match, which I almost lost, I got to the top 2. I fenced against a friend, and I sadly lost, but all in all, I had a blissful time. Traveling to tournaments is a great way to learn and understand other cultures and make new friends and I am very proud of my experience representing USA at the international competition.

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When I look at all the medals and trophies, I see a reflection of my journey, my growth, and the time I’ve put into fencing over the years. Whether I won or lost, every tournament has taught me important things about believing in myself, staying focused and never giving up. It reminds me of what I’ve accomplished and what I’m still capable of achieving.