Saxonwold resident loves to fence for his country
Young fencer Alexander Tarfur enjoys the problem-solving skills and stress relief that the sport brings.
South African junior fencer, Alexander Tafur loves striking his opponents with swords, earning points for his country and taking names.
The 18-year-old Saxonwold resident is a matric learner at St John’s College.
While many of the people he trains with at Tyshler Fencing School at Randburg Sports Complex are preparing for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Tafur is taking the longer view – aiming for the 2028 edition in Los Angeles.
“Last year I competed at the 2023 Junior African Fencing Championships, and the 2023 Commonwealth Fencing Championships and I am looking forward to the 2023 Junior Fencing World Championships coming up in April,” he said.
Tafur has competed internationally with both the Épée and foil sword types.
“I predominantly train Épée, thus it would be the sword type I feel most comfortable with,” he said, adding there are many aspects to fencing that he cherishes.
“It keeps your fitness up while also improving the way in which you approach a problem. Every opponent brings their own unique challenges and thus a unique solution you yearn and strive to find. Moreover, the sword becomes an extension of yourself, and the power it grants you does wonders for your confidence and resilience. Hence, fencing allows you to grow stronger, both physically and mentally.”
For these reasons, the youngster encourages others to take up the sport.
“It may also offer a great escape from the stresses of everyday life by allowing you to vent out your frustrations with every hit and thrust.”
The only thing he would change about the sport is that it, like every sport in the world, can become too politicised.
“As is the case in many sports, officials, and authorities can find themselves placing too much emphasis on agendas and bureaucracies. Instead, it is the athletes who should be prioritised, by uplifting their love for the sport.”
Fencing uses three types of swords: The foil, sabre and épée.
With the foil and sabre, points are scored when a person hits their opponent on the upper body, although not the head for the foil.
When using the épée, a fencer can strike their opponent anywhere for a point.
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Tyshler Fencing School athletes prepare for Olympic qualifiers in April
