USA Fencing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When you’re up big in a bout, it’s tempting to start thinking ahead to the next round. But Natalie Tsui (Manhattan Fencing Center) didn’t succumb, remaining focused by following that old fencing cliche: take it one round at a time.

Tsui never gave up double-digit touches on her way to the 2024 Cadet Women’s Saber national championship on Monday, the fourth and final day of the 2024 Junior Olympics and Parafencing NAC in Charlotte.

But she didn’t stop fencing until all 15 touches were hers.

“It was definitely a long day, but definitely rewarding,” she says. “I just didn’t look too far ahead at the tableau and stayed present in the moment — making sure that I'm not worrying about who my opponent is and just fencing my best.”

Also fencing her best: Regina Lee (Swords Fencing Studio). With her win in Cadet Women’s Epee today, the 14-year-old Lee is now the reigning national champion in Y-12, Y-14, Cadets and Juniors. Next up, Lee will represent Team USA at the 2024 Junior & Cadet World Championships in Saudi Arabia. 

Some might argue that the tournament’s most exciting final was its very last. Steven Miall (Moe Fencing Club LLC) was down 14-12 in his gold medal bout for the Cadet Men’s Foil national championship.

“Yeah, it was crazy,” he says. “Because I was up at the beginning, and then all of a sudden, he had the lead at 14-12. So at that point, I was like, whew, I gotta keep working. So I made my way back — 12, 13, 14. And then I was able to get that last touch to get there, which is great.”

Miall saved his best tournament for his last, too, since this was the official end of his Cadet career.

“It’s a lot of relief,” he says. “I've been having a lot of bad tournaments coming up to this. So, finally, I was able to have a good result, my final Cadet event of my life. So it's a great way to end the season.”

And what’s his advice to younger fencers dreaming of their own national championship some day?

“Just keep practicing,” he says. “Make sure you're having a lot of fun. When you're going to practice, make sure you're trying your hardest — that way, when you come to tournaments, you'll be able to do your best.”

Cadet Women’s Epee

Gold and 2024 National Champion: Regina Lee (Swords Fencing Studio)

Silver: Scarlett Lee (New York Fencing Academy)

Bronze: Nicole Yu (Marx Fencing Academy)

Bronze: Brianna Mun (LA International Fencing)

5th: Jolie Korfonta (Elite Fencing Academy (VA))

6th: Maya Kozlowski (Woodlands International Fencing Club)

7th: Emily You (Guanyi Fencing Academy)

8th: Alina Zhao (Windy City Fencing-Chicago)

Cadet Women’s Saber

Gold and 2024 National Champion: Natalie Tsui (Manhattan Fencing Center)

Silver: Delilah Huai (Premier Fencing Academy)

Bronze: Lila Paul (Sheridan Fencing Academy)

Bronze: Dagny Johnson (Rochester Fencing Club)

5th: Charmaine Andres (Southern California Fencing Academy (SOCALFA))

6th: Valentina Chiarelli (Manhattan Fencing Center)

7th: Aria Bevacqua (Manhattan Fencing Center)

8th: Alexia Anthony (Peter Westbrook Foundation & Fencers Club Inc.)

Cadet Men’s Foil

Gold and 2024 National Champion: Steven Miall (Moe Fencing Club LLC)

Silver: Ryan Kim (Silicon Valley Fencing Center)

Bronze: Jeidus Deseranno (Renaissance Fencing Club)

Bronze: Roy Graham (Jovanovic Fencing & Cambridge Fencing Center)

5th: Jonathan Dai (V Fencing Club)

6th: Richard Li (Star Fencing Academy)

7th: Aditya Jain (San Diego)

8th: Conrad Lo (Massialas Foundation (M Team))

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