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…