Junior European Championships – Day Two Results and Highlights
The second day of the Junior European Fencing Championships brought high-level performances and intense battles as young talents from across the continent showcased their skills on the piste. With three events taking place – men’s foil, men’s sabre, and women’s épée – the competition delivered remarkable moments, fierce rivalries, and standout victories.
Junior Men's Foil – AIN Dominates the Podium
In the men’s foil event, Aleksandr Kerik delivered a stellar performance, securing the gold medal for AIN. His tactical precision and impeccable footwork saw him outmanoeuvre France’s Adrien Helmy-Cocoynacq, who settled for silver. The podium was heavily represented by AIN, as Pavel Puzankov and Iskander Bulatov both earned bronze medals.
Aleksandr Kerik on His Victory
Aleksandr Kerik shared his emotions after his impressive triumph: “I am very happy, this day will stay with me for a long time, emotions are overwhelming.” When asked about the toughest bout, he responded: “All matches were difficult, I prepared for every opponent, so I cannot single out just one.” Reflecting on what helped him overcome challenges, he emphasized: “Confidence. I fenced with ease, didn’t overthink, and focused on each touch. My superpower today was confidence and belief in myself.”
Junior Men's Sabre – Graudyn Claims Gold
Pavel Graudyn emerged victorious in the men’s sabre, bringing yet another gold medal to AIN. His aggressive style and sharp attacks proved too much for Romania’s Vlad Covaliu, who secured the silver medal after a hard-fought final. Italy’s Leonardo Reale and Hungary’s Zsadany Papp both took home bronze, showcasing their resilience and technical excellence throughout the competition.
Pavel Graudyn on His Victory
Reflecting on his triumph, Pavel Graudyn shared his thoughts on the most challenging moments of the competition: “The hardest match was the final match. I am very happy that I made it.” When asked about the key to overcoming difficulties, he emphasized the importance of support from those around him: “What helped me to overcome difficulties? My friends, my teammates, my family, my country. I am very happy for that result.”
Junior Women's Épée – Maksymenko Shines for Ukraine
The women’s épée event saw a thrilling display of strategic fencing, culminating in a triumph for Ukraine’s Anna Maksymenko, the reigning Junior European Champion. She claimed the gold medal with a composed and determined performance, defeating Romania’s Emma Sont in the final bout. The bronze medals were awarded to Cecylia Cieslik of Poland and Emily Conrad of Ukraine, both of whom demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity on their way to the podium.
Anna Maksymenko on Her Victory
After securing gold, Anna Maksymenko reflected on her journey to the top: “Today was a hard day, but I was trying my best and I managed to win.” She highlighted the toughest moment of the competition: “The hardest match was with the girl from France.” When asked about the key to her success, she emphasized her mental strength: “My calmness and focus helped me to overcome difficulties. My superpower was staying focused during my matches.”
Medal Standings After Two Days
| Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| AIN | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| Italy | 2 | 1 | 5 | 8 |
| Ukraine | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| Hungary | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Romania | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Germany | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| France | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Poland | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Georgia | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
With two days of the Junior European Championships now complete, the competition remains fierce, and the upcoming events promise even more exhilarating moments. Tomorrow’s schedule features the Junior Men’s Épée, Junior Women’s Foil, and Junior Women’s Sabre (Team Event), where new champions will rise to claim their place on the podium. Fans can follow the action live via EskrimTV and check the full results on Fencing Time Live.
