Following the tradition of the National Open Champion questionnaire, the 6 2014 Open Champions kindly contributed some answers following their Championship win.
Australian 2014 National Champion: Donghwan Kim – Mens Sabre Champion.
1: How long have you been Fencing? What made you start? How long did it take for you to feel competitive?
A: I started fencing when I was 13. My parents are both Olympic fencers and coaches, and my father suggested I start.
2: How long have you been Competing at National / International level?
A: I started competing at open national level in Korea when I was 15. I also competed at the 2007 Cadet World Championships.
3: What made you choose your weapon? Have you fenced the other 2?
A: When I began fencing, sabre in Korea was very weak so I wanted to help make it stronger. I learned a little foil from my father when I first started.
4: Where is your favourite place to fence or to train?
A: I loved training at Yang-Woon middle school where I first learned to fence, but now Sydney Sabre feels like my home.
5: Who if anyone have you modeled your fencing on? Or do you have a favourite fencer internationally?
A: I used to train with Gu Bongil, under the same coach in Busan, and I really admire his fencing. He is very smart. I would love to be able to lunge like Gu, but I’m too inflexible!
6: What are your ambitions for 2015 and beyond? Travel / competition?
A: I want to go on the FIE circuit as soon as I can. I also want to go to some competitions in Asia to get some more experience.
7: Do you have a favourite location to fence (National/Internationally)?
A: I like to travel, but I haven’t been able to go to many overseas comps yet. So far the best one I’ve been to was Singapore. I like the food there and the refereeing was very good.
8: What if any other cross training activities do you play/train?
A: I run for cross-training, and I play baseball (outfield).
9: What if anything has changed for you as a fencer in 2014?
A: 2014 is the first time I have competed since I left the Korean circuit in 2011 to join the army. It feels really good to be back into fencing.
10: What is your weekly training routine/partners etc?
A: I do some footwork and bouting. I also coach for around 30 hours a week. I also watch a lot of international matches to study the fencers.
11: What advice would you give Australian fencers?
A: If you want to win, you need to keep practicing the basics. Keep working, even when it is boring. When you are fighting, don’t rush and always think about winning.
12: What is the best / worst thing about Fencing in Australia?
A: The best thing is my club. Sydney Sabre has given me a lot of support, and I’m really happy here.
Thanks very much Donghwan !