UniSA student Georgina Barratt is heading to Shanghai again this year to compete for Australia in the Fencing Grand Prix.
Competing in Shanghai is becoming a yearly occurrence for the Exercise and Sport Science student.
Known as one of the toughest senior World Cups in the world, competing in Shanghai is a great opportunity for Australian fencers, given it is closer to home than the other World Cups and it’s always an organised tour for the senior and under 23 teams.
Barratt, who is currently the undefeated eight-time Senior State champion, has been a mainstay in the Australian team for a few years now, competing not only in Shanghai last year, but also in Taipei for the World University Games.
Currently ranked second in Australia in the under 23 age group, and sixth overall, Barratt believes she will only keep improving by attending these international events.
“Being an organised tour to Shanghai, it allows us to go early for training and for the national coach to travel with us, increasing the overall experience of attending the competition,” Barratt said.
“I believe I have improved a lot since coming back onto the international circuit, and this year, I’m hoping to improve on my result from last year.
“I want to make it through to the direct elimination rounds of the competition, which usually requires 2-3 wins in the first round of pools.”
Barratt has grown up with fencing, with both her mother and grandmother heavily involved in sport.
Fencing is described as playing a game of chess at the speed of squash, which is why Barratt loves it.
“I really enjoy fencing, as it is a sport that is highly technical and fast, but always requires you to be problem solving and changing what you’re doing.”
Barratt received an Amateur Athlete Grant from UniSA Sport to support her trip to Shanghai.
Written by Kirralee Thomas