Northwold fencer aims for Olympic Games after successful World Championships
NORTHWOLD – Pavel Tyshler learns from a fourth-round defeat at World Championships.
Local fencer, Pavel Tyshler (20) is gearing up for the Olympic Games qualifiers after a successful World Championships.
This Northwold resident was the only South African fencer to compete at the International Fencing Federation (FIE) World Championships in China in July.
Tyshler won three rounds in his first senior World Championships before reaching the top 64, where he was unlucky to be drawn against Paolo Pizzo who won the previous championships.
Tyshler’s defeat to the Italian superstar did not deter him though.
“Even though he was 35 he was extremely quick,” said Tyshler. “I learned that I need to train more to reach the next stage in my fencing. Every fencer has their own style and I learned a few tricks from him.”
Tyshler added that he was still young in his fencing career, with most international fencers reaching success in their mid to late 30s.
His goal is to keep improving with the épée (one of the types of fencing swords) so that by the time the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers begin in April next year, he will be good enough to qualify as an individual or in a team with other top South African fencers.
Many of SA’s best fencers train under Tyshler’s father, Dr Gennady, at the Tyshler Fencing School at Randburg Sports Complex.
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Tyshler spars with these top fencers and receives technical training from his father, who is also president of the FIE Coaching Council.
“I have had a sword in my hand since I was a baby but only started training officially under my father when I was seven. I love that 13 years later I still haven’t figured everything out yet, there is always something new to learn, even when going against the same people.”
Tyshler described the sport as not just physical, but one that requires intense concentration and planning, having to always out-think one’s opponent.
“My goal is to win many international medals in my career, and be known all around the world.”
