THREE Hillcrest High School pupils, Alexandra Gibson, Simpiwe Malusi and James Gibson, represented KZN in the SA Junior National Fencing Championships in Cape Town recently.
The fighting was intense with more than 200 entries for the competition, and with the competition being the last chance to improve SA rankings before the South African team travels to the Junior World Championships in France. Each of the fencers gave it their all and fought their hearts out.
Simpiwe finished fourth after the pool rounds in the U17 epee, but was knocked out in a tough and well-fought direct elimination bout against a far more experienced competitor. He also performed well in the U20 epee event. James fenced in the U17 and U15 epee events. He did well in the U15 epee, winning a bronze medal. Alexandra had an exceptional weekend, winning a medal in each event she entered – silver medals in both U17 and U20 foil, and bronze medals in both U17 and U20 epee.
Alexandra has since been selected to represent South Africa in three events, U17 foil, U20 foil and U17 epee at the Junior World Fencing Championships in Bourges, France from 1 to 10 April.
Simpiwe received half colours, and James and Alexandra were both re-awarded full colours. The smiles though weren’t just about the accolades, as more than swords were extended, with Simpiwe stretching his courage to undertake his first flight with much enthusiasm and nervous smiles.
