The New York Athletic Club to host 2012 Olympic fencing qualification world cup

From June 24 to June 26, 2010, the New York Athletic Club will partner with the US Fencing Association and the World Fencing Federation, to host one of only ten international Olympic Qualification events for London 2012. All matches will be held at the New York Athletic Club’s venerable location on Central Park South.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and the top ranked fencer in the world Mariel Zagunis, 2008 Olympic silver medalists James Williams and Tim Morehouse, as well as NYAC National Team members Ben Igoe, Jeff Spear, Mihail Etropolski and Daria Schneider will compete for spots on the 2012 US Olympic Team. The competition will also feature hundreds of the best fencers in the world and Olympic hopefuls from over 30 countries for individual and team qualification events. This is the first time a fencing world cup will be held at the New York Athletic Club since the 1980s and is the first international Olympic qualification event for any sport ever to be held at the club.

Fencing is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires a unique blend of athleticism, tactics, and focus. Thinking on one’s feet and changing strategies in the blink of an eye are crucial to winning a match, which is why fencing is often called “physical chess”. Each of the three fencing events – saber, foil, and epee – have unique technique, strategy and rules. Fencers are known to be some of the most well-rounded athletes for their combined physical and mental abilities. Sports Illustrated named the US Fencing delegation to the 2008 Beijing Olympics the “Brainiest Team.”

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