Keeth Smart and Sada Jacobson named United States Fencing athletes of the year. Fencers are the first Americans to ever be ranked #1 in the world.
Colorado Springs, CO, January 12, 2004 – United States Sabre fencers Keeth Smart and Sada Jacobson have been named the 2003 U.S. Fencing athletes of the year by the United States Fencing Association. The announcement comes on the heels of a very successful 2003 season for both fencers and is the second year in a row that each has received this recognition. As a result of this honor, Keeth and Sada are now eligible for the United States Olympic Committee’s Athlete of the Year award. The year was highlighted as Keeth and Sada became the first Americans to ever achieve a world ranking of #1 in their respective positions. The two will look to head one of the strongest American fencing teams ever assembled as the Olympics return home to Athens, Greece.
“We are so proud of Sada and Keeth for all their accomplishments in fencing and away from it,” said Michael Massik, Executive Director, United States Fencing Association. “These two athletes have displayed superior talent and have been tremendous ambassadors in behalf of the USFA. It is our honor to present this award to Sada and Keeth for their second consecutive year.”
{mosimage}Keeth Smart, a native of Brooklyn, NY and one of the top fencers to ever train at the famed Peter Westbrook Foundation, became the first American ever to be ranked #1 in the world after his very strong 2002-2003 season. Internationally, Keeth finished in the top ten of every World Cup event he entered and managed to capture five medals in 2003 – two gold, two silver, and one bronze, more than any other U.S. male fencer at the senior level. This is the second year in a row that the St. John’s University graduate has received the honor of U.S. Fencing Male Athlete of the Year.
{mosimage}Sada Jacobson, of Dunwoody, GA posted an outstanding 2003 season as well. Becoming the second American to ever reach a world ranking of #1 (first female), Sada also became the first American, male or female, to claim the title of overall World Cup Champion. The award, which recognizes the top worldwide fencer in each category for the season, is a major accomplishment for Sada as well as the entire U.S. fencing team. On the international circuit, Sada managed to win two golds, one silver, and three bronze medals leaving her total medal count for the year at six, more than any American fencer in history. Sada, currently a student at Yale University, is also enjoying her second consecutive title as the US Fencing Female Athlete of the Year.