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Former Marauder sets sights on Pan Am Games

Feb 6, 2016 | 7:28 AM

Julia Creusot was only 11 years-old when she was first introduced to the sport that would change her life. Five years later, she is representing Canada in fencing at the Cadet Pan-American Championships in Cancun, Mexico.

Creusot said her main goal right now is to stay focused on her training.

“I think it’s more the mental preparation, remembering this is just another tournament and, yeah, I want to go and do well but it’s more for a learning experience,” she said.

The 16-year-old is originally from Prince Albert, but currently attends school in Regina to be closer to her coaches. She trains four to five days a week, split between actual fencing practice and strength and cardio training.

“I’m just basically going about my regular training and now is not the time to change things, especially when there is something so big coming up,” she said.

When asked if she had any butterflies, Creusot said “everything’s been happening so fast recently, I haven’t really had time to think about it.”

Creusot is coached by Kirk Brecht of the East Zone Fencing Club in Regina.

“At this point it’s all about the finishing touches, getting the final game plan in place and be ready to execute,” he said.

The competition in Cancun will not be easy as many of the competitors will likely be future Olympians.

Brecht has coached other elite athletes and said Creusot is right up there with the best. He described her as a very attentive student with a lot of discipline.

“With fencing, a typical Olympian is in their mid to later 20s, and this is an U17 competition so this is a great first step along the way,” he said.

Creusot competed at another elite level event last October in London called the Cadet World Cup, where her team finished third.

Creusot said her love for the sport goes beyond winning medals.

“I’m probably more proud of how I’ve grown as a person than winning. Like, I’ve learned independence and so many things that are beyond a medal.”

Creusot flies to Cancun Feb. 27 and lands back in Regina March 1.

 

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell