The European Fencing Confederation (EFC) kicked off the much-anticipated European Cadet & Junior Championships in Naples with a thrilling day of competitions featuring men’s epee, women’s foil, and women’s sabre - all cadets. The championships will run until February 29th, promising a week of intense fencing action and the showcasing of young talent from across Europe.
Men's Epee Highlights
The standout performer on the first day of the championships was Michele Queiroli from Italy, who clinched the first place in the men's epee competition. Queiroli's impressive victory was a culmination of hard work and dedication, as highlighted in an interview with his coach, Enrico Nicolini.
Nicolini expressed his confidence in Queiroli's abilities, stating that the young fencer was among the strongest in Italy. Despite facing initial difficulties, including the nerves of competing in his first European championship, Queiroli remained consistent and focused throughout the competition. Nicolini attributed Queiroli's success to his mental strength and unwavering belief in his abilities, emphasizing the importance of staying positive in the face of challenges.
In a separate interview, Queiroli shared his experience of the day, acknowledging the initial struggles in the early rounds but finding his rhythm as the competition progressed. He credited the support of his friends and the familiarity of competing in Italy as factors that aided him in his performance.
Cadet’s Mens Epee:
1. QUEIROLI Michele - ITA
2. SUNDER RAJAN Sameer - GBR
3T. EROLCEVIK Doruk - TUR
3T. MITRAIL THEO - FRA
Women’s Foil Highlights
Among the standout performers in the women's foil event at the European Cadet & Junior Fencing Championships in Naples, Anna Kollar from Hungary emerged victorious, clinching the gold medal and leaving a lasting impression with her mental toughness and unwavering confidence.
Kollar's triumph marked the pinnacle of years of dedication and hard work as a young fencer. In a post-match interview, she revealed that she had been diligently preparing for this moment over the past three years, underscoring the level of commitment and determination she brought to the competition.
Throughout the tournament, Kollar faced both mental and physical challenges, including a testing encounter against a formidable Polish fencer in the T8 round. Despite the obstacles, Kollar maintained her composure and remained focused on her ultimate goal of claiming the top spot on the podium.
A key strength that stood out in Kollar's performance was her unshakable self-belief and mental fortitude. She attributed her success to her unwavering confidence in her abilities, emphasizing that her strong mental game played a crucial role in her victory.
Reflecting on her journey to winning the gold, Kollar emphasized a pivotal moment in the final match where she showcased remarkable resilience. Despite initially leading with a score of 14-9, Kollar allowed her opponent to narrow the gap to 14-13 before requesting a medical break. Kollar clarified that the break was due to a genuine need rather than a tactical maneuver.
Anna Kollar's success in the women's foil event serves as a testament to her skill, perseverance, and unwavering belief in her abilities. As the European Cadet & Junior Championships continue in Naples, Kollar's inspiring performance sets the stage for more thrilling bouts and remarkable achievements in the days to come.
Cadet’s Womens Foil:
1. KOLLAR Anna - HUN
2. BERRETTA Mariavittoria Elvira - ITA
3T. SENIC Adeline - MDA
3T. KUS Natasza - POL
Women’s Sabre Highlights
Italian fencer Vittoria Mocci clinced the gold medal in the women’s sabre category.
In an exclusive interview with Vittoria, she shared insights into her remarkable journey to claiming the top spot. "The past few weeks have been a bit challenging. This morning, I was feeling a bit nervous, but I knew I had made solid preparations for this competition," Vittoria revealed. She further elaborated, "It was the bout to make it into the top 4, where I had to find solutions that were not my strong points. I realized there wasn't much else to do, but I knew I didn’t have another chance. I decided to give it my all."
Vittoria also highlighted the crucial role of her coach in keeping her calm under pressure, stating, "My coach helped me stay calm, and I managed to avoid getting overwhelmed by panic." Her resilience and strategic decision-making proved to be pivotal in her success at the championships, captivating spectators with her impressive performance.
Cadet’s Womens Sabre:
1. MOCCI Vittoria - ITA
2. CSONKA Dorottya - HUN
3T. LENTINI Francesca Romana - ITA
3T. KUVAEVA Alexandra - GEO
The atmosphere at the European Cadet & Junior Championships in Naples was filled with excitement and determination as young fencers showcased their skills and passion for the sport. The first day's competitions set a high standard for the rest of the week, promising thrilling battles and memorable moments for both athletes and spectators alike.
As the championships continue, all eyes the next day will be on the talented fencers in women's epee, men's foil, and men's sabre - all cadets. With fierce competition and a display of sportsmanship and skill, the European Cadet & Junior Championships in Naples are shaping up to be a celebration of fencing excellence and the next generation of champions.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the European Fencing Confederation as the championships unfold in Naples.
