Fencing athletes from 45 states converged upon the Colorado Convention Center in mid-February to compete in the 2019 Junior National Championships. 

One of fencing's biggest tourneys took place in Denver, February 15–18, drawing 2,000 competitors to the Colorado Convention Center from all over the country. Approximately 65 of the competitors represented Colorado at the 2019 Junior National Championships, facing off in saber, foil, and epee events.

The Fencing Academy of Denver showed very well, with competitors placing highly:

Cadet Women's Sabre -- Ola Strzalkowski, 12th place (out of 182)
Junior Men's Sabre -- Joe D'Orazio, 44th place (out of 265)
Junior Women's Sabre -- Ola Strzalkowski, 22nd place (out of 196)
Junior Women's Sabre -- Cassandra Sehic, 36th place (out of 196)
Women's Sabre Junior Team -- 7th place out of 23 teams
Men's Sabre Junior Team -- 9th place out of 20 teams

Participants were age 20 and younger, having been born between 1999 and 2005.

Check out the Junior Olympics' full results here.

About the Sport

Fencing is a lifetime sport for people of all ages and backgrounds,” the USA Fencing website states. “One of only five sports contested at every summer Olympic Games since 1896, fencing challenges athletes both physically and mentally while offering a supportive community and fun environment.”

Founded in 1891 as the Amateur Fencers League of America, USA Fencing serves fencing athletes in all 50 states through its member clubs, as well as regional and national tournaments throughout the year.

New to the fencing sport but interested in learning more? Get a rundown of the basics here. And learn more about the Fencing Academy of Denver here!

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