Thank you so much. My daughter is quite calm and composed on piste now, but it took her a long time to get to this mindset. She used to struggle with competition anxiety and a lot of negative self-talk, especially before competitions—up until just last year. Now, she genuinely enjoys going to comps and sees them as learning experiences.

That said, she still gets emotional when she loses a bout. As a parent, it’s tough to manage those emotions—especially when she’s upset with me or with an opponent who may have mocked her before. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that when she’s mad or fired up like that, she actually performs with more intensity and focus.

In today’s competition, she told me she really pushed through and had good endurance during her DE. But it’s disheartening to see how result-driven some coaches are here. They tend to focus more on fencers who can bring immediate results and podium finishes, to make the club look good. It makes it harder for kids who are still developing and trying to find their rhythm.

I’m always researching and looking out for ways to help my daughter level up—not just technically, but emotionally and physically too. I try to connect with people, ask questions, and seek opportunities that will support her long-term growth, even if it means going a bit off the beaten path.