When did you start fencing?

I started in eighth grade. Originally my brothers got into it, and they recommended it to me so I thought I might pick it up.

What’s your favorite part of fencing?

You get to play with swords. What’s better than that?

What’s the most challenging part of fencing?

Adapting from one opponent to the next is hard because each opponent is so different.

What sets fencing apart from other sports?

It’s very fast-paced, and it’s a very intellectual sport. It’s all about trapping your opponent and countering and making them think what you want them to think.

How often and how do you train?

I train three nights a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. We do a lot of footwork and other exercises to warm up. After that we do blade drills, practicing a certain combination of attacks. Then for the rest of the time we bout each other.

What competitions have you won?

I competed at the Gopher Open, which was at the University of Minnesota. My two brothers and I were all in it, and I ended up winning the competition. It was definitely my biggest accomplishment in fencing.

What’s your favorite memory from fencing?

In the Gopher Open I was up against my younger brother and it was the closest fight I’ve ever been in. It was neck in neck, we were one point away for the entire bout. I ended up beating him 15-14. It was very fun.

What has fencing taught you?

You can’t always use the same method when solving problems, you have to analyze the situation and take different approaches. In fencing, if you attack your opponent the same way over and  over again he’ll be expecting it and beat you. The same can apply to life.

How has fencing impacted your relationship with your brothers?

It definitely causes more competitive feelings between us. It’s really fun to compete against them and battle to see who comes out on top.