DC Fencers Club Member Amanda Sirico Medals at National and World Fencing Championships
Sirico (right) defeats London Olympic medalist Kelly Hurley (left) on her way to bronze at the Division 1 National Championship (Women’s Epee) in Minneapolis, MN, April 2014. Photo by Sally Gifford.
Sirico to represent Notre Dame in Division 1 NCAA Fencing this fall
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2014
Contact:
(SILVER SPRING, MD) – Within the space of three days, DC Fencers Club member Amanda Sirico (Bowie, MD) medaled in two Championship events seven time zones apart. On Friday, April 11, Sirico anchored the U.S. Junior Women’s Epee team to win silver at the Junior World Fencing Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The next day she hopped on a plane to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where on Sunday, she took bronze in the Division 1 U.S. National Championships. This remarkable feat is just the latest in a series of stellar results from this promising young athlete.
With the World Championship results, Sirico jumped to the #14 ranked Junior (under 20) women’s epee fencer in the world. Her bronze at the Division 1 Championships makes her the #1 ranked Junior Women’s Epee fencer in the United States, and the #4 ranked Senior (over 20) Women’s Epee fencer in the U.S.
Sirico (USA) in a very close bout against Lehis (Estonia) at Junior Worlds, April 2014. Photo by Serge Timacheff.
While Sirico competed in the Cadet (under 17) category at Junior Worlds last season, in her first year competing in the older age group she advanced to the top eight in Junior Women’s Epee. Sirico missed the semifinals by one touch, 11-12 against four time Junior World competitor Katrina Lehis of Estonia, who went on to win the individual event. Sirico’s finish was the highest for the US Junior Women’s Epee squad.
In the Junior World Championship team event, Sirico served as anchor, securing team victories against Switzerland, Romania, and Hungary. In the finals, Team USA fought hard against Team Russia, with a final score of 34-45 to earn silver.
Sirico and DCFC Head Coach Janusz Smolenski celebrate her team silver at Junior Worlds in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, April 2014.
“Her fencing is always either good or excellent,” said DC Fencers Club Head Coach Janusz Smolenski, who coached Sirico at Junior Worlds. “Amanda is extremely consistent, which is one of the most important and difficult things to do in fencing.”
At the Division 1 Championships on Sunday, in the quarterfinals Sirico won against London Olympian Kelley Hurley (who won a bronze medal in the team event in 2012). She then lost a close semifinal bout (15-11) against another 2012 Olympian, Courtney Hurley.
Sirico after defeating London Olympic medalist Kelly Hurley, at the Division 1 National Championship, April 2014. Photo by Sally Gifford.
“It was definitely an experience getting to fence both Hurleys in one day,” said Sirico. “But I tried my best to stay optimistic, keep my cool, and go in ready to make them fight for the win, Olympians or not.”
In May, Sirico competes in two international competitions, a Senior World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and a Grand Prix in Havana, Cuba. Sirico is aiming for a spot on U.S. Team for the 2014 Senior World Championships, to be held this July in Kazan, Russia.
Sirico will attend the University of Notre Dame in fall 2014, where she will join the NCAA women’s epee squad at one of the strongest Division 1 NCAA fencing teams in the United States.
Summer Fencing Camps
Each generation of fencing champions gets its start in a beginner fencing class. This summer, DCFC summer fencing camps introduce young people to the benefits of this Olympic sport. Beyond the fitness benefits, fencing promotes intellectual development, decision making skills, self discipline, and confidence. In July and August, DCFC hosts five separate weeklong day camps for children ages 7 and up. Camps are open to beginner through intermediate fencers, and equipment and uniforms are provided. For more information on getting involved in this Olympic sport, call 301-562-1990, email , or visit www.dcfencing.com.
About DC Fencers Club
DC Fencers Club (DCFC) has a national and international reputation as one of the best fencing clubs in the United States. The club offers instruction through classes, camps, workshops, and individual lessons. Fencers of all ages are welcome, and members range from recreational fencers to fencers who compete in local, regional, national, and international tournaments. DCFC coaches have a combined 100 years of training, competition, and teaching experience, and they include credentialed fencing masters and National and World Champions. DC Fencers Club promotes excellence, sportsmanship, and safety in a friendly, easygoing environment.
# # #