Rashid Earns the Gold At Sunshine State Games In Women's Epee!

Princess Rashid wins the Gold and Bronze at the
2011 Sunshine State Games Fencing Competition

Last weekend in Lakeland, FL, I competed in The Sunshine State Games Fencing Championships. Think of the Games like the state Olympics. Most states have them. I am pretty proud of my performance. As of now, I am the 2011 Women's Epee Champion (Gold Medal) and the Women's Foil Bronze Medalist!  Woo hoo! That was fun!

To read about Day 1, refer to previous post [link]. 

Day 2-Women's Epee. Result: Gold Medal (renewed B-rating) Yay!

I was so sore when I woke up on Sunday.  I wondered what I was doing fencing in this event. But I had hoped to finish well and my Epee Coach (Boyko) believed in me. So I showed. I'm just glad my friend and teammate, Michela, drove us to the event.

Because of my injury, I felt it was very important to ice and get stretched out by the PT guys early on but they weren't there by close of check in for my event which was around 8:30 am. I stretched a little and had a awkward lesson with one of my coaches. It seemed awkward to me mainly because I fenced foil intensely the day before but now I had to start thinking epee and needed to adjust. I felt as if my coach was a little frustrated by having to correct my foil "errors". I however, accept that the awkwardness is natural and maybe necessary to make the transition.

Despite the problematic lesson, I finished in 1st place winning the gold medal. I think it was good that I was made aware of the needed adjustment by the lesson. Throughout the day, my epee coach Boyko, was there for me quietly reminded me of the needed adjustments and tactical assessments.

I have to say, the bouts in the semi final and the final were so intense.  All the fencers should be commended!

I give thanks to my God for clarity of mind and alertness, my two coaches, Boyko and Sasha, everyone that helped me with my leg, my family and teammates for support!

Princess

Rashid Takes Bronze Medal in Women's Foil At 2011 Sunshine State Games!

Rashid with her two coaches, Sasha & Boyko of the Tampa Fencing Academy at the 2011 Sunshine State Games.

The  Sunshine State Games Fencing Tournament took place June 18 & June 19th in Lakeland, Fl. I participated in competition both days. On Saturday, I competed in the Women's Foil event. On Sunday, I competed in the Women's Epee.

I decided to break this post into two parts mainly  because of the length of the post. I also wanted to provide some insights into my experience as a fencer of multiple weapons.

Day 1 - Women's Foil. Result: Bronze Medal

I warmed up pretty good by running around the gym a few times and stretching. I started off with a really nice foil lesson from my coach (Sasha) and had a few warm up bouts.

I started off well in my pool and then all of a sudden my right quad locked up. I felt it tighten and lunging became a big risk. Every time I tried to lunge, I felt pain in the area that I had torn years ago at the 2007 National Championships held in Miami. I got really concerned because early next month I have to again compete at the Nationals Championships but this time in Reno, NV.

Lucky for me there was an angel present. Another fencer had brought his girlfriend that used to be a massage therapist. She took it upon herself to help me by massaging the area gently to increase the circulation and then getting me ice. Eventually, we found some physical therapists on site that taped me up and applied the Bio Freeze.

All this attention to my hamstring allowed me to get through the event with good results. By the direct eliminations (DE's), I was taped and wearing a knee brace for additional support. I was able to move very well on the strip especially by using fleches instead of lunges.   I made it to the final four and finished with a Bronze Medal in the Women's Foil event.  Not too bad considering I was injured and hadn't be seriously competing in foil since 2007.

While I am pleased with the result, I realize that I need to compete in more foil events and find more high level fencers to practice bout with. Looks like I will need to put some more miles on my car to find the talent...

P.