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