Australian National Champions 2010
Following the Australian National Champions in Brisbane 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 2010: Mens Sabre Sutherlan Scudds WA.
1. When and why did you start Fencing?
A: I started fencing when I was 7. My mother found a pamphlet on a club called Notre Dame Knights.
2. How many countries have you competed in, where is your favourite, and where would you love to Fence?
A: So, so many. I think about 20 at least. Paris this year takes the cake, that competition was amazing, the French know how to put on a good competition. As far as training goes, I want to continue fencing in Italy, as it is a wonderful place. Korea and China also interest me. But for competitions I am open to anywhere. Not Bulgaria again though.
3. What was your motivation for winning the 2010 National Fencing Championships?
A:To be remembered. I had one a few National rounds over the last few years, but nothing really matters when compared to the championships. It means a lot to me to have my name on that sabre trophy.
4. Do you think Fencing in France in the World Champs helped you?
A: Absolutly! Perhaps not as much as the camp with the italian team before but I fenced World Championships very well, by far the best I have ever fenced out of Australia and it did my confidence a world of good.
5. Now (that you won this year) what are your future goals?
A: I want to go to the Olympics, but not just to have one bout and then watch, I want to be competitive. I want to improve my ranking from 100 in the world to around 70, and start making at least top 64’s regularly at world cup level. And of course, keep winning National Championships.
6.Why do you believe you succeeded this year?
A: I trained hard. Simple but true, I don’t see myself as the most natural athlete in the world but I moved states and started training (gym and fencing) 6 days a week, often doing two-a-days. It’s the same approach I will have next year.
7. Was there anything you did better this year than previous years?
A: I think I can attribute a lot to my new coach Antonio Signorello, he opened my eyes to the way sabre is fenced internationally and has improved my fencing ten-fold.
8. Whats next for you in 2010/2011? (Training, Break, Travel?)
A: Have a few days off till the weekend, then back to training. Summer will be mainly fitness and one-on-one lessons with my coach. In late January we will start fencing again. No breaks though, I am still to far behind the best in the world I need to take all the chances of catching up given to me. Then from January I will be back to full time training.
9. What competitions will you do Internationally or plan to do / if any in 2011?
A: I think we will do three world cups following April when Olympic qualifiers start. They will be Athenes, Madrid (Spain) and Varsovie (Poland). After that we have Asian Championship in July in Korea and then finally World Championships in Italy.
10. Can you give us a motto/philosophy you follow in your fencing? (for future Australian champions)
A: Success come to those who train the hardest.
11. If you could provide encouragement for Juniors coming through what would it be?
A: Stick with the sport, it is a growing sport, especially in Australia. If you become good at fencing it will not only be reflected in your Fencing results, but in all other areas of your life.
Thanks So much..