The 2012 USA Fencing National Championships ~ Josie's introduction to big-time saber fencing tournaments. It was mom's introduction, too. I like to call it, sink or swim style...
I figure, nothing says, "Who loves you baby?" like a ginormous convention center full of fencing bouts when you don't really know much about the sport...Mama was game, this earns me more visits in the nursing home someday, right??
We really were that green. Thankfully, her coach found us at her very first match- it really was providential because she did her first bout, lost and I would have walked away...not knowing she had like 5 or 6 more to do and then they tally up the averages. -And then they post the next bouts you move on to, and so on...It would have been bad if we'd walked away to go eat nachos or something...**Josie is the one facing the camera with the mask on...
These photos probably look all alike to you, but really, I remember each match. It was exciting and terrifying, all at the same time. **Josie is the one on the right with the fantastic lunge there...it's like a perfect yoga move there, poetry in motion. (excuse me while I do some mom-gushing)
The day was a mix of excitement, worry, confusion and waiting. We really did not know what we were doing. It was a learning experience for us, but in a good way for Josie- I think it pushed her skills up a notch.
The next big tournament? We'll be ready.