Friday, February 20, 2004
Press Release
Canadian Fencing Federation

Canadian women’s epee fencing team qualifies for Athens Olympics

TAUBERBISCHOFSHEIM – For the first time in fencing history Canada will be sending a women’s epee team to the Olympics.

Despite Canada’s first round loss 45-39 to France at the Würth Cup in Tauberbischofsheim, Germany today, the moment Team USA lost their first match to China, Canada had their Athens Olympic ticket in hand.

Canada went on to defeat Greece 35-32, lose to Ukraine 45-37 and in their last match beat Italy 45-39 to finish 11th.

France, needing gold to qualify for Athens, defied all odds winning the competition with a convincing 45-27 victory over Germany. China captured the bronze defeating Hungary.

Canada team members Sherraine MacKay of Brooks, Alta., Monique Kavelaars of Appin, Ont., Montreal’s Julie Leprohon, Marie-Eve Pelletier from Quebec City and Catherine Dunnette of Calgary, Alta., got the job done this year and are honoured to be in on something so special. “I’m really proud to be part of the first Canadian team in history to qualify for the Olympics,” said Dunnette.

The Canadians will now focus on securing their own spots on the National team.

Kavelaars pointed out, “We all played a big role in qualifying, all five of us will be there in spirit even though only three of us will get to go.”

The 9 countries that will compete in women’s epee for gold this summer are Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Russia, China, Korea, South Africa and hosts, Greece.

Team captain, Sherraine MacKay believes that they can compete with the best. “We are a team that every country in the world takes seriously now … and that’s all it takes to be successful in the Olympics. Watch out for us in Athens!”

reprinted with permission