Illawarra Academy of Sport LoneStar Fencing Athlete Courtney Buchanan represented Australia at the 2nd Southeast Asia Pacific Fencing Championships held in Manila from May 22nd to 31st. Representing Australian at the Championships for a second time Buchanan and the Australian Team were out to defend their Bronze Medal from 2015. 15 countries were participating in the event that showcased the best fencers from the Asia Pacific Region. The competition saw athletes compete in the Foil, Epee and Sabre disciplines. Courtney fenced in the U17 Women’s Individual Foil, U20 Women’s Individual Foil and U20’s Women’s Team Events. Unfortunately due to one of her U17 Team member’s withdrawal due to illness, Buchanan and the rest of the team were unable to defend their U17 Women’s Team Bronze from 2015. In the U17 Individual event Courtney had a solid pool result and qualified for the DE Round. The bottom 20% is eliminated after the pool round. Finishing in the top 30% after the pool round Courtney had a strong performance in the DE’s to finish 12th overall. Backing up to compete in the U20’s Competition Courtney once again had a strong pool result to qualify for the DE round having a narrow loss 15-14 to finish 20th overall. With the disappointment of not being able to fence the Teams event in the U17’s the U20 Team were committed to putting in a strong performance. With all of the girls performing they made it through to the Semi’s where they lost to Vietnam. This put them into the Bronze Medal Match against the tournament hosts the Philippines. After a tough match up, Australia triumphed winning the match and taking home the Bronze Medal.
