Owen placed third in his first “real” (electric, not dry) foil tournament Sunday. He was amazing and the best thing was that he got exponentially better as the day went on.
The tournament was supposed to have two groups, 10 and under (Owen is nine) and 12 and under. But, there weren’t enough 10 and unders, so they combined the groups. Ten and under was supposed to be dry, but once they combined the groups, they decided to lend Owen electric gear so everyone could fence the same way. He was VERY excited about this because he’s only used practice gear.
Unfortunately, they didn’t have anything really small enough for him (the other kids were all experienced at tournaments and had their own gear.) Owen had to compete all day with a weapon that had a completely different grip from his (pistol, not French) and was two sizes bigger — and heavier. He said his arm, wrist and hand were really aching by the end of the day.
Owen had a rough start, losing his first pool match in overtime and struggled in the pool matches, finishing 1-3. However, once the elimination portion of the tournament started, he took off. He knocked off two MUCH bigger, older fencers (one who had beat him in a pool match) to finish third.
Let me say again, Owen was amazing. Because of school and other activities, fencing was put on hold for about six months. He’s only had three training sessions since his layoff. While he gained a lot of strength in his off time, he lost technique and fencing savvy (if he every really had any!! 
) However, what he might not have in official technique, he made up in agression, athleticism and speed.
A lot of what he does never scores, and he was frustrated by that. If his bouts had been true battles, I’m pretty sure all his opponents would be dead. Once he puts his natural physical skills with more fencing education, he’s going to be unstoppable.
Photos of Owen fencing are here.
(If you can’t tell which one he is in the photos, he’s always the
shorter fencer and he has neon green on his shoes.)
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