The European Cadet & Junior Championships in Naples entered its second day with a flourish of unforgettable moments, showcasing the exceptional talent and determination of young fencers from across Europe. The day's competitions in cadet’s women's epee, men's foil, and men's sabre captivated spectators with thrilling performances and inspiring victories, setting the stage for more incredible battles in the days ahead.
Cadet’s Womens Epee
In a fiercely contested women's cadet's epee event, Anna Maksymenko of Ukraine emerged as the champion, demonstrating her skill and resilience throughout the competition. When interviewed about her mental and physical state during the event, Anna expressed gratitude towards her family and coach for their unwavering support. Despite encountering numerous challenges throughout the day, including a demanding final match, Anna's determination and focus propelled her to victory, clinching the gold medal and solidifying her status as a rising star in European fencing. Following her triumph, she is already looking ahead to her upcoming challenges, including the cadet team competition and the junior individual and team competitions.
Cadet’s womens epee:
1. MAKSYMENKO Anna - UKR
2. ABAJO SALCEDO Lucia - ESP
3T. TRYNOVA Julia - EST
3T. GOMEZ LOPEZ Silvia - ESP
Cadet’s Mens Foil
Lauro Falchetto of Austria claimed the top spot in the cadet’s men's foil category, marking a significant achievement in his fencing career. Reflecting on his journey through the competition, Lauro highlighted the immense physical and mental strain he experienced, crediting his coach and supporters for helping him push through each match. Overcoming initial fears and doubts, Lauro found confidence in his fencing abilities with every successful bout, eventually culminating in a remarkable first-place finish. His dedication to the sport and unwavering determination shone brightly as he stood victorious on the podium.
Cadet’s mens foil:
1. FALCHETTO Lauro - AUT
2. CONTICINI Mattia - ITA
3T. KELLY David - GBR
3T. PANAZZOLO Marco - ITA
Cadet’s Mens Sabre
Italian fencer Leonardo Reale demonstrated outstanding skill and resilience on his path to securing the gold medal in the cadet men's sabre event. When asked about his mental and physical state during the competition, Leonardo revealed that he had initially suffered a back injury at the beginning of the direct eliminations. Thanks to the support of physiotherapists, he was able to compete in optimal condition for each subsequent encounter. Reflecting on the competition, Leonardo acknowledged that the final match presented his toughest challenge yet. While he anticipated facing his brother, Valerio Reale, fate had it that he would confront a formidable Turkish fencer who, as Leonardo highlighted, ranks among the strongest competitors in Europe. This match proved to be the most demanding bout of the tournament. At a critical score of 12-14, Leonardo shared a pivotal moment saying, "When I was losing 12-14, I told myself: I will do what has been working for me throughout the match." This strategic decision seemed to unsettle his opponent, instigating anxiety, while Leonardo remained steadfast and focused. In dedicating his hard-earned triumph, Leonardo expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and school, with a special mention of his father, Enrico Reale, for their unwavering support throughout his fencing journey.
Cadet’s mens sabre:
1. REALE Leonardo - ITA
2. YAMAN Furkan - TUR
3T. CSOBA Botond - HUN
3T. FRABOULET ROMAN - FRA
The second day of the European Cadet & Junior Championships in Naples delivered a spectacular showcase of talent, determination, and sportsmanship, inspiring fencing enthusiasts worldwide. As the championships progress towards the grand finale on February 29th, anticipation builds for more remarkable performances and compelling narratives from the young athletes vying for glory on the prestigious stage.
Stay tuned for additional updates and highlights on the European Fencing Confederation's website, our social media platforms, and YouTube channel.
