The fencing World Cup season kicks into high gear this weekend as the world cups now count for 2012 Olympic qualification.
Foil fencing for both men and women will commence in Shanghai. Traditionally Japan hosts a men’s foil grand prix event, but the event was moved to Shanghai following the earthquake and tsunami that hit Fukushima. (You can still donate to the relief efforts through the Red Cross.)
Here’s a brief rundown of the events:
- Women’s Foil (Team and Individual): Shanghai, China
- Men’s Foil (Individual): Shanghai, China
- Women’s Epee (Team and Individual): Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Women’s Sabre (Team and Individual): Bologne, Italy
Who to watch? Mariel Zagunis will be fencing to keep at the top of the FIE world rankings and her teammates will be fencing to improve their rankings to try to secure another qualification spot for the US. Women’s Foil will be working to keep ahead of all others in the North American zone for the team qualification and men’s foil will see Miles Chamley-Watson fence to improve on his #3 world ranking and 2011 NCAA Champion Ariel DeSmet enters the field.
The Women’s Epee team heads down to 2016 Olympic host city Rio to take part in a “home zone” event. 12 athletes from the USA will compete in the individual event and the team event will feature some of our most seasoned athletes as the Hurley sisters (Kelley and Courtney), Maya Lawrence, and Lindsay Campbell will be the Team USA entry in the team event.