Amarilla Veres, one of the world’s premier wheelchair fencers, is gearing up to defend her title at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris. After securing gold in Tokyo, the Hungarian athlete is determined to make history once more.
Wheelchair fencing is a sport that requires intense concentration, agility, and precise control in close-quarters combat. Veres, 31, is fully aware of the challenges ahead and is meticulously preparing both mentally and physically to retain her crown. Central to her training regimen are visualization techniques that sharpen her focus.
“I try to imagine I’m in a dark space with only a flashlight, which lights only a tiny circle,” Veres shared. “I focus on that light, which is my attacking circle.”
Her victory in Tokyo was a defining moment, where she triumphed over Rong Jing, a four-time gold medalist, in a match that captivated the fencing world. This win not only brought Hungary its second-ever Paralympic gold in wheelchair fencing but 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 noted. “But I train as many hours as I can physically put in.”
Grace and Precision on the Piste
During training sessions, Veres exhibits remarkable grace and precision with the épée. Her fluid movements—such as arching her body backward to evade strikes—highlight her exceptional agility. She has been focusing on building core strength and refining her technique in both épée and sabre disciplines.
In wheelchair fencing, 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,” explained her coach, Zsolt Nemcsik.
Physical prowess is only half the battle. Mental sharpness is equally crucial, especially in the split seconds before a bout begins.
“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 emphasized, underscoring the importance of anticipation and quick decision-making.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For Veres, the Paris Paralympics represent more than just another opportunity to add to her medal count. She aspires to break barriers, inspire others, and push the limits of what is possible in wheelchair fencing.
“I hope to leave a lasting legacy in our sport,” she said. “If I can motivate even one person to pursue their dreams despite challenges, that would be a victory greater than any medal.”
As she sets her sights on Paris, Veres remains a beacon of determination and excellence, symbolizing the relentless pursuit of greatness in Paralympic sport.
Reference(s):
Top wheelchair fencer shares her secrets for training for another gold
cgtn.com
