Australian National Champions 2009


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: Women’s Sabre Alex Carroll VIC.

1.When and why did you start Fencing?
A: I started fencing in 1993 at the Williamstown Fencing Club when I was nine years old. My first coach was Sue Shahin who introduced me to the foil and gave me individual lessons for about one year. After that I moved to Helen Smith who was foil my coach for six years until I changed to sword in 2002. Helen continued to fill the role of mentor. My mum first Considered the sport of fencing Because she thought it suited my personality (somewhat terrier-like). She also wanted to find a sport that promoted self-discipline so that I might learn the importance of winning and losing gracefully.
 
2. How many countries have you competed in, where is your favorite, and where would you love to Fence?
A: Fencing has taken me all over the world, albeit mostly self-funded. I have spent most of my time in Eastern Europe including Hungary, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Bulgaria and in Western Europe, Italy, Germany and Austria. I have also fenced in China, Vietnam and traveled to Singapore team in a managerial position. I really enjoyed living in Budapest. Not too cold, not too hot. Great training, great public transportation, great chocolate croissants!
 
I studied French throughout high school to have never had the chance to actually visit France. I would love to fence at the World Championships in Paris in 2010. I would also like to spend some time in local fencing competitions in Asia as the level of competition is strong but not impenetrable. I feel I will be able to ‘climb the ladder’ by developing my skills and experience gathering competition in this environment.

3. What was your drive and / or inspiration for winning the 2009 National Fencing Championships?
A: Quite simply, I felt Obliged to win the 2009 National Fencing Championships Because to date I have not done so, Despite winning six individual gold medals in track events in 2004, 2005 and 2009. I felt it was about time that I Began fencing professionally (in a non-financial sense), and cut out the things that have sometimes distracted me from this purpose in the past. Having accomplished this goal I now feel that a door has opened for me and I am excited about what it means for the development of my fencing.
  
4. Now (that you won this year) what are your future aspirations? 
A: My long term goal is to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. In order to do this I will need to work very hard for the next three years. I have some goals that I will need to accomplish along the way, including World Championship qualification as well as improved World Cup rankings (top 64, 32 and 16 progressively).
 
5.Why do you believe you succeeded this year?
A: After avoiding fencing for almost three years between 2006 and 2008 due to Over Training Syndrome, I embarked on the 2009 competition and training year with realistic goals and a determination to Achieve Those Goals. During my recovery I learned to Recognize my limits and how to use my talents to best effect. A carefully monitored training program with regular breaks meant I was able to check my own progress, reduce the risk of injury and revisit the goals I had set myself.
 
6. Was there anything you did better this year than previous years? 
A: In fact, I did not train as hard as I have in previous years. Instead I Focussed on quality training, targeting particular aspects of my technique that needed attention. I saw immediate improvements Which meant I could start working on the next thing. Smart training is successful training

7. What’s next for you in 2009? (Training, Break, Work?)
A: The remainder of the year will be relatively free-training for me. I have a knee injury that I need to sort out and am happy to give it time. My next competition is AFF # 1 in March 2010, followed by a World Cup in Tianjin, China in about May. This gives me time to have a break, recover from my injury and begin my pre-competition training responsibly. I will continue to work on my core strength and Maintain a basic level of fitness during the break.
 

8. What will you do competitions Internationally or plan to do / if any in 2010?
A: I intend to compete in one or two World Cups (China and one other) as well as the Senior Asian Championships in Korea in July. Strong performance in these competitions should mean I qualify for the World Championships in Paris later in the year. The 2010 Commonwealth Fencing Championships are also scheduled for next year in Melbourne Which I believe I have a good chance to win, so long as I continued to Develop throughout the year.
 

9. Can you give us a motto you try to Achieve in your fencing? (a guide to future Australian Champions)
A: Strive to be a great fencer (aim for quality), fight hard for every point, be confident that it is your hit and the results will follow.
 

10. If you could define some idea of your “Perfect Fencing,” what would it be?
A: As above … technique is 50% of the end fight is the other 50%. Then there is the other, independent 100% which you can not win without – confidence. Especially in sabre. You must know that it is your hit ..

Thanks so much Alex.

More interviews to come …

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