Following on the tradition of the National Champion questionsairre, the 6 2013 Champions kindly contributed some answer following their Championship win.

“The Sword Fighter Dozen”

Australian 2013 National Champion: Kristian Radford – Mens  Epee Champion.

1: How long have you been Fencing? What made you start? How long did it take for you to feel competent?

A: I started fencing almost 13 years ago at my high school in Adelaide. I’ve felt competent at a few points over that time, but I’ve always realised at a later point that I was mistaken. I just hope that I will continue to improve. 

2: How long have you been Competing at National / International level?

A: I entered my first Under 15 and Under 17 Nationals in 2004. Open Nationals was in Adelaide that year so I fenced that too. My first international competition was Challenge Australia in 2006, and I first fenced overseas in 2009 at some Junior competitions. 

3: What made you choose your weapon?, have you fenced the other 2?

A: I started off in foil, and I have fenced all three weapons at times. I had some minor success when I first tried epee, but the main reason I decided to focus on it when I was 16 was simply that I enjoyed it more than the other weapons. 

4: Where is your favourite place to fence or to train?

A: I like competing anywhere my family and friends can come and watch. For training, I enjoy the State Fencing Centre in Melbourne because of the built-in fencing pistes. It’s a luxury!

5: How important have a coach and training partners been to you?

A: Both groups of people have always been vital to my fencing. I’ve worked with a number of coaches and spent time living and training in different places, and I feel that my fencing is a product of all of these influences.

6: What are your future ambitions for 2014 and beyond? work / training / competition?

A: I tend to take things one step at a time. Next year I’m hoping to compete at the Asian and World Championships for the first time 

7: Who if anyone have you modeled your fencing on? Or do you have a favourite Fencer (Internationally)?

A: I’ve always loved watching great fencers, both Australian and international athletes. But success only came for me after I stopped trying to fence like other people and became comfortable with my own way of doing things.

8: What if any other sports do you play/train?

A: I’m not playing any other sports at the moment.

9: What difference if any did this national event have to others?

A: There were quite a few differences. The biggest thing was that the Men’s Epee event was fenced over two days, which I haven’t had to do at a national competition before. Also, I really liked that the Men’s Epee finals were broadcast online.

10: What is your weekly training Regime?

A: The exact composition changes frequently. I’m currently living in Melbourne, and at the moment a typical week involves fencing with the State Squad twice a week and training at VRI Fencing Club twice a week. 

11:  What advice would you give future Australian champions?

A: Don’t be afraid to lose bouts at training. Training is for learning, not for winning.

12: What is the best / worst thing about Fencing in Australia?

A: The worst thing is our distance from the rest of the fencing world. The best thing is the passion for the sport shared by so many people in the Australian fencing community.

Thanks so much Kristian..