I was a fencer from ages 16-22.
I made several sporadic returns to the sport in the years since.
I made a semi-consistent return last year, after moving to South Florida. I have been practicing with the Davis Fencing Academy of Miami. Originally, I said that it was just for exercise and that I had no intention of competing. The good vibes at the club prompted me to reconsider.
On May 27, 2023, I entered my first officially-sanctioned fencing tournament in almost 20 years. The Titan Open had a broadly defined senior division, born in 2009 or earlier. I competed primarily against teenagers and twenty-somethings, several of whom had earned Class E through B rankings through victories in prior tournaments.
I finished tied for third place. I was over twice as old as the other medalists.
Where else can you spend your Saturday hitting kids with a sword and not get in trouble with the law?
Another double touch. This was the match I went down on in the semi-finals. My opponent went on to win the tournament.
Photos by and © as follows: 1-2: Jeff Davis, 3-4 and 6-7: Jenni Pfeiffer, 5: Jacquelyn Davis.
