Following the Australian National Champions in Sydney for AFF #4. 

The 6 National Champions kindly offered to answer a series of questions on their results and “Achievements” for the Competition and their careers.

Australian National Champion 2009: Mens Foil Harry Huang Vic.

1. When and why did you start Fencing?
A:1995.and was picked by coachs.
 
 
2. How many countries have you competed in, where is your favourite, and where would you love to Fence?
A:5 countries.i like KH.
 
 
3. What was your drive and/or inspiration for winning the 2009 National Fencing Championships?
A:to be NO.one in AUS.
 
 
4. Now (that you won this year) what are your future aspirtations? 
A:to win it again.
 
 
5.Why do you believe you succeeded this year?
A:i have been training hard this year.
 
 
6. Was there anything you did better this year than previous years? 
A:focusing on training.
 

Thanks So much Harry.  …

Following the Australian National Champions in Sydney for AFF #4. 

The 6 National Champions kindly offered to answer a series of questions on their results and “Achievements” for the Competition and their careers.

Australian National Champion 2009: Womens Epee Evelyn Halls.

Title: 2009 National Champions: “Achievement.”  

1: When and why did you start Fencing? 

A: I started when I was about 11, in an after-school program. My sister (Jo) was very keen to fence, so my parents volunteered me …  

2. How many countries have you competed in, where is your favourite, and where would you love to Fence?  

A: I have lost count of how many countries I have compete in but it would be somewhere between 20 to 25. My favourite place to fence is Budapest for 3 reasons – it is where I got my first big result (2nd in a World Cup in 1997); it has always been my training base when in Europe, and it is the birthplace of my wonderful husband, Peter Osvath!   

3. What was your drive and/or inspiration for winning the 2009 National Fencing Championships?   

A: I wanted to show (to myself as much as anyone else) that I still have what it takes. Also, I’ve set myself a goal of trying to win as many National titles as possible (currently seven, and counting ….). I am a very proud Australian and to be Australian champion means a lot to me.   

4. Now (that you won this year) what are your future aspirations?  

A: My aspirations are to win next year as well! In all honesty, fencing now plays a very small part of my life, as most of my energy is focused on my family and my career. I’m not sure what role fencing will play in my future – for now, I’m happy just to be fencing well and enjoying it!  

5.Why do you believe you succeeded this year?

A: I think that I was very determined and focused, and was able to successfully implement the skills I’ve learnt over a number of years. Because I only train for a couple of hours a week, my fencing is strongly dependent on my mind telling my body what to do (and my body successfully following instructions!)   

6. Was there anything you did better this year than previous years?   
 
A: This year I came 2nd in the Foil (last year, I was 3rd!) and also fenced much better against Ping (who it must be said is a far superior foilist to me!!) More generally, I think that as I have got older (and especially since my daughter Gabriella was born) I have become much better at finding a way to win bouts from a difficult position – there were a couple of bouts in both the epee and the foil where I was behind and looked like losing, but managed to find a way to victory. It’s a skill that I wish I’d managed to develop earlier in my fencing career (when I was famous for often snatching defeat from the jaws of victory).   

7. What’s next for you in 2009? (Training, Break, Work?)

A: Work, work, and more work .. and of course, Christmas with my family and friends (and many, many presents for Gabby!). Hopefully, over summer, I might get a chance to fit in a bit more fencing – and to build up my general fitness again as well.  

8. What competitions will you do Internationally or plan to do / if any in 2010?

A: At the moment, I’m not sure – I’ll see what I feel like. The World Cup in China is a possibility, and Commonwealth Championships in Melbourne.   

9. Can you give us a motto you try to achieve in your fencing? (a guide to future Australian champions)

A: Train hard, train smart – if you can combine an appetite for hard work with the ability to analyse and improve your fencing, you will set yourself up to improve quickly. The very best fencers I have seen in Australia or overseas are always the hardest workers – the first on the piste every night at training and the last to leave. Always ask yourself whether you could have trained harder. Particularly for young fencers, there is simply no substitute for sustained hard bouting..  

10. If you could define your idea of “Perfect Fencing,” what would it be? 

A: The perfectly executed half step back fleche of Pavel Kolobkov (former Olympic and world champion).Thanks so much Evelyn…

More interviews to come..  

Following the Australian National Champions in Sydney for AFF #4. 

The 6 National Champions kindly offered to answer a series of questions on their results and “Achievements” for the Competition and their careers.

Australian National Champion 2009: Womens Foil Yuan Ping, NZ    .

1. When and why did you start Fencing?

A:When I was 14years old, I started fencing.
Because this sport is really elegant and a challenge.

2. How many countries have you competed in, where is your favourite, and where would you love to Fence?

A:Maybe 9 countries. I love every country which I have competed in. I would love to fence in Egypt.

3.What was your drive and/or inspiration for winning the 2009 National Fencing Championships?

A:Talking to myself and trusting myself which I did.

4. Now (that you won this year) what are your future aspirtations?

A:I want to attend Commonwealth Championships next year.

5.Why do you believe you succeeded this year?

A:Because I have a good coach and also some fencers gave me good training.

6. Was there anything you did better this year than previous years?

A:I think I tried my best both years.

7. Whats next for you in 2009?(Training, Break, Work?)

A: Training and coaching.

8. What competitions will you do Internationally or plan to do / if any in 2010?

A:Commonwealth Championships and World Championships which will be held in Paris.

9. Can you give us a motto you try to achieve in your fencing? (a guide to future Australian champions)

A: Trust yourself.

Thanks So much Yuan Ping. 

More interviews to come…

Following the Australian National Champions in Sydney for AFF # 4.

The 6 National Champions kindly offered to answer a series of questions on their results and “Achievements” for the Competition and their careers.

Australian National Champion 2009: Women’s Sabre Alex Carroll VIC.

1.When and why did you start Fencing?
A: I started fencing in 1993 at the Williamstown Fencing Club when I was nine years old. My first coach was Sue Shahin who introduced me to the foil and gave me individual lessons for about one year. After that I moved to Helen Smith who was foil my coach for six years until I changed to sword in 2002. Helen continued to fill the role of mentor. My mum first Considered the sport of fencing Because she thought it suited my personality (somewhat terrier-like). She also wanted to find a sport that promoted self-discipline so that I might learn the importance of winning and losing gracefully.
 
2. How many countries have you competed in, where is your favorite, and where would you love to Fence?
A: Fencing has taken me all over the world, albeit mostly self-funded. I have spent most of my time in Eastern Europe including Hungary, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Bulgaria and in Western Europe, Italy, Germany and Austria. I have also fenced in China, Vietnam and traveled to Singapore team in a managerial position. I really enjoyed living in Budapest. Not too cold, not too hot. Great training, great public transportation, great chocolate croissants!
 
I studied French throughout high school to have never had the chance to actually visit France. I would love to fence at the World Championships in Paris in 2010. I would also like to spend some time in local fencing competitions in Asia as the level of competition is strong but not impenetrable. I feel I will be able to ‘climb the ladder’ by developing my skills and experience gathering competition in this environment.

3. What was your drive and / or inspiration for winning the 2009 National Fencing Championships?
A: Quite simply, I felt Obliged to win the 2009 National Fencing Championships Because to date I have not done so, Despite winning six individual gold medals in track events in 2004, 2005 and 2009. I felt it was about time that I Began fencing professionally (in a non-financial sense), and cut out the things that have sometimes distracted me from this purpose in the past. Having accomplished this goal I now feel that a door has opened for me and I am excited about what it means for the development of my fencing.
  
4. Now (that you won this year) what are your future aspirations? 
A: My long term goal is to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. In order to do this I will need to work very hard for the next three years. I have some goals that I will need to accomplish along the way, including World Championship qualification as well as improved World Cup rankings (top 64, 32 and 16 progressively).
 
5.Why do you believe you succeeded this year?
A: After avoiding fencing for almost three years between 2006 and 2008 due to Over Training Syndrome, I embarked on the 2009 competition and training year with realistic goals and a determination to Achieve Those Goals. During my recovery I learned to Recognize my limits and how to use my talents to best effect. A carefully monitored training program with regular breaks meant I was able to check my own progress, reduce the risk of injury and revisit the goals I had set myself.
 
6. Was there anything you did better this year than previous years? 
A: In fact, I did not train as hard as I have in previous years. Instead I Focussed on quality training, targeting particular aspects of my technique that needed attention. I saw immediate improvements Which meant I could start working on the next thing. Smart training is successful training

7. What’s next for you in 2009? (Training, Break, Work?)
A: The remainder of the year will be relatively free-training for me. I have a knee injury that I need to sort out and am happy to give it time. My next competition is AFF # 1 in March 2010, followed by a World Cup in Tianjin, China in about May. This gives me time to have a break, recover from my injury and begin my pre-competition training responsibly. I will continue to work on my core strength and Maintain a basic level of fitness during the break.  

8. What will you do competitions Internationally or plan to do / if any in 2010?
A: I intend to compete in one or two World Cups (China and one other) as well as the Senior Asian Championships in Korea in July. Strong performance in these competitions should mean I qualify for the World Championships in Paris later in the year. The 2010 Commonwealth Fencing Championships are also scheduled for next year in Melbourne Which I believe I have a good chance to win, so long as I continued to Develop throughout the year.  

9. Can you give us a motto you try to Achieve in your fencing? (a guide to future Australian Champions)
A: Strive to be a great fencer (aim for quality), fight hard for every point, be confident that it is your hit and the results will follow.  

10. If you could define some idea of your “Perfect Fencing,” what would it be?
A: As above … technique is 50% of the end fight is the other 50%. Then there is the other, independent 100% which you can not win without - confidence. Especially in sabre. You must know that it is your hit ..

Thanks so much Alex.

More interviews to come …

Following the Australian National Champions in Sydney for AFF # 4.

The 6 National Champions kindly offered to answer a series of questions on their results and “Achievements” for the Competition and their careers.

Australian National Champion 2009: Mens Sabre James Walsh QLD.

1. When and why did you start Fencing?

A: I started fencing when I was 12 because I wanted to try something different.

2. How many countries have you competed in, where is your favorite, and where would you love to Fence?

A: I have competed in 11 countries, of which my favorite was Italy. I would love go back and fence in Italy again.

3. What was your drive and / or inspiration for winning the 2009 National Fencing Championships?

A: I have worked hard and put a lot into my fencing this year. My drive was just to continue to Improve and fence better and better.

4. Now (that you won this year) what are your future aspirations?

A: To continue to win competitions in Australia and to go overseas and become increasingly competitive with the best fencers in the world.

5. Why do you believe you succeeded this year?

A: On the day everything just went right for me. I have been fencing well this year in competition Which has given me great confidence. Also I have started working with a new coach, Antonio Signorello and he helped me realized a whole new way to think about fencing.

6. Was there anything you did better this year than previous years?

A: This year I found a balance in my training that suited me better and I also found a new way to Enhance my mental game. The greatest difference about this year though is the fact that I committed myself completely to my fencing.

7. Whats next for you in 2009? (Training, Break, Work?)

A: I have a couple of more weeks of training before we break for Christmas and New Year. During the break I plan to go home and hopefully spend some time at the beach.

8. What will you do competitions or Internationally plan to do / if any in 2010?

A: I plan to compete at the next Asian Championships in Korea, go overseas to fence in a couple of World Cups and hopefully if all goes well represent Aus at the World Championships in Paris at the end of the year.

9. Can you give us a motto you try to Achieve in your fencing? (a guide to future Australian Champions)

A: “Winners want the ball.”

10. If you could define some idea of your “Perfect Fencing,” what would it be?

A: My idea of perfect or the perfect fencer fencing is someone who has the strength, control, technical ability, timing and distance to take advantage of any opportunity or any eventuality that could occur during a tip. So that no matter what their opponent does the fence has a solution to win the hit.

Thanks So Much James. More interviews to come

Inspiration of National Champions:

Following is an amalgamation / analysis of the Answers….
 
Dependant on where you started fencing (3 came from China) there are a range of ages when all started fencing, thus there is no perfect age to start fencing…anyone can win!.
All have roughly 10 years of competitive fencing, and most have won Nationals prior to 2008.
The Belief in Winning the Nationals: Practice, preparation and mental strength, belief in yourself, doing thorough footwork and being mentally prepared.
Inspiration: A couple of boxers and influential figures (U.S President Barak Obama) and guardians.

Most will take a break at the end of the season…. Working to pay the way for competitions etc.
International competitions should be the aim, but you’ll only improve if all the required preparation is done, fitness and mental preparation – preparing to win.
Words of Wisdom: Train hard, don’t get hit, self confidence and belief, practice basics at beginning and end of session, read and learn from other champions, hard work and discipline, train hard then harder… a common theme.
A description of fencing in a word: Fencing is a metaphor for life, its in the blood, its fun, its discipline.

Thanks once again to all the 6 Australian National Champions of 2008:
E. Halls, Z. Casagrande, Y. Ping, Z. Huang, S. Leitch, M. Du. 
 
Christmas Gifts - Birthday Presents; Gift Voucher World is the place

Inspiration of National Champions:

Instalment number 6 : Min Yi Du Winner of Open Womens Sabre 2008

1. Why did you start Fencing?
A: As you may know, I started fencing in China, where personal choice then was not really an option. I was simply selected for the sport by a coach. It would be appropriate to say that fencing chose me.

2. How many years have you been fencing?
A: 30 years

3. What was your inspiration for winning the 2008 National Fencing Championships?
A: Because I have a competitive desire, to be the best at anything I do. Maybe it is a kind of neurosis, I am not sure.

4. Now (that you won this year) what are your future aspirations?
A: Maybe to be well placed or even win an international individual competition.

5. Why do you believe you won?
A: Well, I had put in a lot of hard work perhaps a little more than others. My training regime is quite strict and fencing in every sense is a part of my life. I suppose when you are that committed to anything I believe success naturally follows.

6. Who would you like to meet? (As an Inspiration to you?)
A: Muhammed Ali, I am impressed with his determination and self confidence.

7. What’s next for you in 2008? (Training, Break, Work?)
A:Perhaps a little break from training and more time for recreational fitness exercise.

8. What comps will you do (International) if any in 2009?
A: All the national competitions and at least one international

9. Can you give us some words of wisdom for future Australian champions?
A: Read as much as you can about the Autobiography of Champion athletes. Their stories are often inspiring and can teach a lot about determination, self confidence, self belief etc. Again, Muhammad Ali is a case in point. Believe in yourself.

10. If you could sum up Fencing in one word, what would it be?
A: Fencing is a metaphor to life.

Thanks So Much Min Yi Du, 

Inspiration of National Champions:

Instalment number 5 : Simon Leitch Winner of Open Mens Sabre 2008 
 
1. Why did you start Fencing?
A:I saw it advertised at a local PCYC and went along with some friends from school.  Before i knew what had happened they got me with their jedi mind trick and had me fencing at other clubs as well…..resistance was futile…
 
2. How many years have you been fencing?
A:About 13 years, but that clumsy stuff i did for the first 4 years can hadly be considered ‘fencing’. 
 
3. What was your inspiration for winning the 2008 National Fencing Championships?
A: If i won a friend was going to buy me a Hungry jack’s Ultimate Double Whopper….i still have not received it and im getting pretty annoyed just thinking about it.
 
4. Now (that you won this year) what are your future aspirtations? 
A: In 2002 we won a sliver medal in team sabre at commonwealth championships and i always hoped we could improve on that one day.
 
5. Why do you believe you won?
A: I trained much harder than anyone else for the last 10 years very consistently, and in the lead up to the competition i was able to prepare myself physically despite having hand surgery and a broken bone or two.
 
6. Who would you like to meet? (As an Inspiration to you?)
A: George Foreman
 
7. Whats next for you in 2008? (Training, Break, Work?)
A: Got to go back to work and train for some boxing competitions early next year.   

8. What comps will you do (International) if any in 2009?
A: Not sure, even the mention of international competition is making me feel pain in my wallet, as impossible as that may seem.  

9. Can you give us some words of wisdom for future Australian champions?
A: Practice the basics at the start, middle and end of a session, because the person who can do the basics faster, stronger and with better timing usually wins.  

10. If you could sum up Fencing in one word, what would it be?
A: Supercalafrickingawesome  

Thanks So Much Simon,

Keep an eye out for more instalments

Inspiration of National Champions 

Instalment number 4 : Zhen ‘Harry’ Huang Winner of Open Mens Foil 2008

1. Why did you start Fencing?
A: I had been picked up at my school by the fencing coach
 
2. How many years have you been fencing?
A: I have been fencing 13 years
 
3. What was your inspiration for winning the 2008 National Fencing Championships?
A: I just concentrated on every single point.
 
4. Now (that you won this year) what are your future aspirtations? 
A: I’ll try to do my best to win it again.
 
5.Why do you believe you won?
A: Because I am hungry to be the champion.
 
6. Who would you like to meet? (As an Inspiration to you?)
A: I wanted to meet Joe and Frank, they are strong fencers in Australia.
 
7. What’s next for you in 2008? (Training, Break, Work?)
A: I felt I am not fit enough.  I need more training to keep fit for next year.  

8. What comps will you do (International) if any in 2009?
A: I am not fit enough, I cant go to International comps at the moment.  
 
9. Can you give us some words of wisdom for future Australian champions?
A: Ambition. Hunger.

10. If you could sum up Fencing in one word, what would it be?
A: Resourcefulness

Thanks Harry, 

Keep an eye out for more instalments

Inspiration of National Champions:

Instalment number 3 : Yuan Ping Winner of Open Womens Foil 2008
 
1. Why did you start Fencing?
A: I started doing basketball because I was selected by the basketball teacher, but then a fencing teacher found me and asked if I was interested in fencing.  I enjoyed the challenge of fencing and it seemed a “gentleman” sport.

2. How many years have you been fencing?
A: 12 years

3. What was your inspiration for winning the 2008 National Fencing Championships?
A: I had come to NZ to help coach at Hutt Valley Fencing Club and Susan (my Host) suggested I should fence and try to win the Australian Championship. 

4. Now (that you won this year) what are your future aspirations? 
A: I want to attend the Asian Championships in 2010 and maybe in 2012 I want to attend the Olympic Games in London.

5. Why do you believe you won?
A: 12 years of hard work in China for 9 hours a day, six days a week.  I was focused during the competition on what I would need to do to beat each of my opponents.  And I ate a banana for breakfast.

6. Who would you like to meet? (As an Inspiration to you?)
A: My Mum.  I miss her.

7. What’s next for you in 2008? (Training, Break, Work?)
A: I travel tomorrow to Auckland to help coach some fencers there for a couple of weeks. 

8. What comps will you do (International) if any in 2009?
A: One or two Australian competitions, depending on my finances.

9. Can you give us some words of wisdom for future Australian Champions?
A: Train hard and don’t get hit.

10. If you could sum up Fencing in one word, what would it be?
A: Fun (and a challenge).

Thanks So Much Yuan Ping.

Keep an eye out for other instalments…