Hey guys,
So currently I am a student at Northwestern University. I am an ambitious and tenacious athlete-a fencer to be more specific. I have many dreams and aspirations, including participating in international fencing competitions and one day representing the United States in the Olympics.
I have been fencing 6 years, Epee-the dueling sword, and have totally and completely fallen in love with the sport. I hope to one day become a coach and run my own fencing club. This sport is my passion and my goal is to spread this amazing sport to as many people as I can. Fencing helped me find a sense of belonging and community and I want to share that community and friendship with other kids and adults who feel that they just haven't quite found their niche yet.
I have always been an avid sports fan, and a regular participant in fantasy leagues whenever I have the time and opportunity. I believe that there is always more to sports than meets the eye and I truly believe that it is important for people to understand what really occurs behind the curtain. In other words, why a certain fencer won the point or why a fencer cracks under pressure at one moment, but is perfectly fine the next.
Analyzing bout, or any part of a sport, is vital to maintaining one's understanding and comprehension of the big picture. The mental game, like a two pound weight between two 900 pound gorillas on a see-saw, can sway the outcome of a fencing bout or football game or tennis match. Comprehending what goes on or leads up to each and every action and subsequent scoring is a key factor in understanding the true meaning of sports and separating the hobbyists from the devoted world class athletes.
Which direction a person chooses to follow is their own. My point and goal with this blog is to show the world and people out there just like me that in anything, whether it be sports, music, art, school, whatever, there are always choices. Anyone who possesses the dedication, drive, tenacity, and work ethic to put in the 10,000 hours and 10 years can be world class. It is all about the way we practice that separate us apart. Life is about choices and I truly believe that skill is built, not born. One can not help being short, but that same individual can build speed over years of practice to compensate or exceptional technique and footwork. Everyone has the CHOICE to embrace their decisions, dreams, and aspirations. It is all about enjoying the journey and understanding that in order to get good, one must be willing, or even enthusiastic, about being bad and failing. Baby steps are the golden pathway to skill and success.
Courtney Dumas
