Contributed byRick Thompson

South Carolina fencers are currently competing in the National Fencing Championships, which are being held in Atlanta, Ga. Among them are representatives of all three Columbia fencing clubs. Athletes from the Palmetto Fencers Club, the Columbia Fencers Club, and USC are all competing in the ten-day championship tournament. Sponsored by the United States Fencing Association, the event was held from June 30 through July 9 at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.

Over 3,800 athletes from all across the nation converged on Atlanta to compete in 95 men's and women's events in the three fencing styles which are defined by the type of sword used: foil, pe, or saber. Events were held in eight age groups and four skill levels, plus wheelchair and team events. It is estimated that over 25,000 athletes, coaches, and family members attended the nine-day championship event.

Over 50 South Carolina athletes competed in the National Championships including six teams. Team events are conducted as a relay event, with the team members competing sequentially in a bout to 45 points. Individual fencing matches are either five points in the preliminary round or 15 points in the direct elimination rounds.

Results for athletes from the Columbia include:

Daniel Thompson, of the Palmetto Fencers Club, who competed in men's pe (Division 3) placed 36th coming out of the first round and ended up placing 80th in a field of 225, higher than any other South Carolina fencer in the event.

Howard Wallace placed 82 in men's foil (Division 3) among 238 fencers. Mr. Wallace trains at the Columbia Fencers Club.

Blake Hopkins, a USC Fencer, placed 87th in the men's saber (Division 2) in a field of 227 saber fencers.

Two women with the Columbia Fencers Club competed in women's foil (Division 2). Katherine Colburn placed 143rd, and Claire Sumaydeng-Bryan placed 158th.

Michael Green, who also trains with the Columbia Fencers Club, finished 87th in men's foil (Division 1-A).

Additional information on Fencing and results from the National Championships can be found at: http://www.usfencing.org

Another listing of results, as well as pictures and interviews can be found at: http://fencingchannel.tv/feature/2006usasn/index.htm.