2026 Junior Olympics, Day 2 Recap: Hunger, Preparation and Poise Pay Off in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —  After a rough competition just before winter break, Jeein Joo (South Bay Fencing & Globus Fencing Academy) could’ve gotten down. 

Instead, he got to work.

“I had a lot of training camps in New York and in Texas,” he says. “I trained super hard. I was super hungry.”

But then, just days before the Junior Olympics, he noticed a bit of hip pain and skipped the last day of practice to recover at home. Another setback, another comeback. 

“I'm really happy I did that so my hip didn't bother me today,” he says.

On Saturday, Day 2 of the 2026 Junior Olympics in Kansas City, that decision proved wise. Joo powered through a challenging field to claim the Cadet Men’s Saber national championship.

“I dropped one bout in pools, so I knew I was going to have a harder bracket,” he says. “But then after my 32 bout, I gained a lot of confidence, and then from there, I knew I could win it all.”

In the final, Joo raced out to an 11–2 lead — but it wasn’t speed alone that carried him there.

“I just had a game plan,” he says. “I was thinking three touches ahead, because I knew, let's say I didn't get this one. I knew what to do, the next one and the next next one, so I just had a lot of backup plans. And I'm happy that it all worked out.”

When his opponent, Devyn Anthony, began to close the gap and trimmed the score to 14–9, Joo leaned on lessons learned the hard way.

“Yeah, my coaches were telling me at the break, even though I had a big lead, they told me it's 0–0 — don't take anything for granted. Don't start rushing or doing anything,” he says. “I've made those mistakes before, so I've learned from the past. And I was just able to compose myself, think of the next touch, and then reset.”

That same blend of confidence and composure defined the Junior Women’s Foil event, where Ella Calise (Tim Morehouse Fencing Club (Port Chester)) successfully defended her national title, matching the gold medal she won a year ago in Charlotte, N.C.

“It feels amazing,” she says. “I'm especially happy because I won last year as well. So I just feel really good about the win.”

Consistency, Calise says, starts with preparation — and staying fueled throughout a long competition day.

“I just try to get my energy level up all day,” she says. “I’m just eating food constantly.”

Her go-to staples? Bananas and applesauce. Beyond nutrition, Calise keeps her focus simple.

“I just try to bring in what I learned from my lessons,” she says. “And just tell myself that I can do it and to stay focused.”