MEDIA RELEASE

27 November 2023

NORTH MELBOURNE – Over 400 of the top fencers from across Australia, New Zealand, and other countries, including world and national champions, will be competing at the 2023 Australian and Oceania Senior, Veteran, and Australian Youth Circuit Fencing Championships beginning Friday, 1 December, at the State Fencing Centre at 204-206 Arden Street, North Melbourne. The event, which is hosted by Fencing Victoria and supported by a grant from the Victorian Government’s Significant Events Program, serves as a crucial step in qualifying to represent Australia in international fencing events, including the Olympics.

Fencing Victoria President Norbert Riedl said, “This exciting competition showcases the intensity of fencing, one of the fastest and most dramatic sports in the world. We’re looking forward to seeing our Australian fencers give their all as they literally fight for victory.”

Competition begins on Friday morning with sabre and foil, and concludes on Monday with epee. Each weapon has unique rules and emphasises different aspects of sword-fighting. Fencers at the elite level typically specialise in one weapon. The competition format includes a group stage where between five and eight fencers meet each other in a round-robin competition to determine seeding on the day, followed by a direct-elimination round. The sport demands both explosive power and stamina to sustain competition over several hours.

The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Sport, will be attending at the event on the morning of Saturday, 2 December.

Photo and interview opportunities with competitors will be available throughout the competition.

For more information
Laura E. Goodin
Media Officer
media@fencingvictoria.org