MEDIA RELEASE 

4 December 2023 

NORTH MELBOURNE – NSW fencer Sophia Glasson won Sunday’s Australian and Oceania Women’s Foil Championship event at the 2023 Australian and Oceania Senior, Veteran, and Australian Youth Circuit Fencing Championships.

“I began fencing in Shanghai when I was six years old, and from an early age I was doing international competitions. In 2019 I moved here and began working with [Coach] Antonio Signorello.”

She’s keen to see Australian fencers take a larger place in international competition. “Obviously, [with] Australia being geographically isolated, it’s a bit difficult for Australian fencing, especially because it helps to be in the midst of progressing with other countries. I think it would be really beneficial if more people were given the opportunity to represent Australia overseas and bring in more international competitions. International exposure is a great way to improve.”

She also feels that she’s gained personal benefit and character development from her experiences, and says that fencing helps a child build maturity. “I think coping with pressure and balancing fencing practice with all other aspects of life helps you develop how to manage yourself, develop your time-management skills, develop how you cope under pressure; also develop your perseverance, your mental toughness.”

Results for each event are being posted in real time at https://www.fencingtimelive.com/tournaments/eventSchedule/8284EE098F63431FA0F03B468EE30E0A#today

The 2023 Australian and Oceania Senior, Veteran, and Australian Youth Circuit Fencing Championships continue through Tuesday, 5 December. Photo and interview opportunities with competitors will be available throughout the competition.

Photo credit: Ed Chiu

For more information

Laura E. Goodin
Media Officer
media@fencingvictoria.org