Top wheelchair fencer shares her secrets for training for another gold

Amarilla Veres, one of the world's top wheelchair fencers, is preparing to defend her title at the Paralympics Games in Paris. After winning gold at the Tokyo Paralympics, the Hungarian athlete is focused on making history once again.

Wheelchair fencing is a sport that demands intense concentration, agility, and precise control in close-quarters combat, and Veres is fully aware of the challenge ahead. The 31-year-old is preparing both mentally and physically to retain her crown. As part of her training, she uses visualization techniques to sharpen her focus.

"I try to imagine I'm in a dark space with only a flashlight, which lights only a tiny circle," Veres said. "I focus on that light, which is my attacking circle."

Veres' victory in Tokyo was a defining moment in her career. She triumphed over China's Rong Jing, a four-time gold medalist, in a match that electrified the fencing world. Her historic win not only brought Hungary its second-ever Paralympic gold in wheelchair fencing, but it also added to Veres' bronze medal from the women’s épée team event in Rio in 2016.

"I'm a bit older than the last time, so I have to be very mindful of my rest and recovery," she said. "But I train as many hours as I can physically put in."

Grace and precision

During training, Veres displays grace and precision with the épée. Her fluid movements, such as arching her body backward to evade strikes, showcase her exceptional agility. She has been concentrating on building core strength and refining her technique in both épée and sabre. In this sport, athletes compete at a fixed distance determined by arm length, making torso movement pivotal.

"Movement in wheelchair fencing is only possible with your torso, you can lean forward and back," said Zsolt Nemcsik, Veres' coach.

However, physical preparation is only part of the equation. Mental sharpness is equally crucial, particularly in the moments before a bout.

"On Pre Alle, you need to immediately know which way you will go, forward or backward, attack or defend. You don't have much time to decide," Veres said, underscoring the importance of anticipation and speed.

For Veres, the Paris Paralympics is more than just an opportunity to win another medal. She hopes to break barriers, inspire others and push the limits of the possibilities in wheelchair fencing. As she sets her sights on another gold, Veres remains determined to leave a lasting legacy in the world of Paralympic sport.

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