Four Cape Fencing Academy fencers ended 2011 ranked number 1 in their respective weapons. This means 4 out of 6 of the top fencers in South Africa are coached by Misha.
Giselle Viactos claimed the number 1 spot in women’s epee after winning the Gauteng Open in Johannesburg last month, unseating former student Shih-Ya Huang. Giselle is the only fencer in the women’s epee squad who does not train in the Gauteng HPP.
Jarryd New cemented his number 1 spot in men’s epee after placing 2nd in the Gauteng Open. This was the only open that he did not win this season after back-to-back victories at the Senior nationals and the Northern Gauteng Open.
Jacques Viljoen remained at number 1 for the third straight row in men’s foil, going undefeated since 2009. A feat which earned him the prestigious UCT Jameson Cup for sportsperson of the year for the second time!
Ashley Marais managed to win the gauteng Open in men’s sabre despite his injury. Unfortunately he will be retiring from competitive fencing due to this ongoing injury and will be missed. Hopefully we will see him return as a referee shortly.
A number of younger fencers have done remarkably well, notably Andrew Hochfelden who dominated Junior men’s epee and has started to make his mark on the senior circuit.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.