Following the Australian National Champions in Sydney 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 2009: Mens Sabre James Walsh QLD.

1. When and why did you start Fencing?

A: I started fencing when I was 12 because I wanted to try something different.

2. How many countries have you competed in, where is your favorite, and where would you love to Fence?

A: I have competed in 11 countries, of which my favorite was Italy. I would love go back and fence in Italy again.

3. What was your drive and / or inspiration for winning the 2009 National Fencing Championships?

A: I have worked hard and put a lot into my fencing this year. My drive was just to continue to Improve and fence better and better.

4. Now (that you won this year) what are your future aspirations?

A: To continue to win competitions in Australia and to go overseas and become increasingly competitive with the best fencers in the world.

5. Why do you believe you succeeded this year?

A: On the day everything just went right for me. I have been fencing well this year in competition Which has given me great confidence. Also I have started working with a new coach, Antonio Signorello and he helped me realized a whole new way to think about fencing.

6. Was there anything you did better this year than previous years?

A: This year I found a balance in my training that suited me better and I also found a new way to Enhance my mental game. The greatest difference about this year though is the fact that I committed myself completely to my fencing.

7. Whats next for you in 2009? (Training, Break, Work?)

A: I have a couple of more weeks of training before we break for Christmas and New Year. During the break I plan to go home and hopefully spend some time at the beach.

8. What will you do competitions or Internationally plan to do / if any in 2010?

A: I plan to compete at the next Asian Championships in Korea, go overseas to fence in a couple of World Cups and hopefully if all goes well represent Aus at the World Championships in Paris at the end of the year.

9. Can you give us a motto you try to Achieve in your fencing? (a guide to future Australian Champions)

A: “Winners want the ball.”

10. If you could define some idea of your “Perfect Fencing,” what would it be?

A: My idea of perfect or the perfect fencer fencing is someone who has the strength, control, technical ability, timing and distance to take advantage of any opportunity or any eventuality that could occur during a tip. So that no matter what their opponent does the fence has a solution to win the hit.

Thanks So Much James. More interviews to come