Amarilla Veres, one of the world's top wheelchair fencers, is gearing up to defend her Paralympic title at the Paris Games. After securing gold in Tokyo, the 31-year-old Hungarian athlete is determined to make history once again.
Wheelchair fencing requires intense concentration, agility, and precise control, and Veres is fully prepared for the challenge ahead. She employs visualization techniques to sharpen her focus, often imagining herself in a dark space illuminated by a small circle of light, which she refers to as her attacking zone.
\\"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 landmark achievement, where she triumphed over the Chinese mainland athlete Rong Jing—a four-time gold medalist—in a match that captivated the fencing community. This win contributed to Hungary's second-ever Paralympic gold in wheelchair fencing and added to Veres' bronze medal from the team event in Rio 2016.
Acknowledging the added responsibilities with age, Veres emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery while maintaining her rigorous training schedule.
Grace and precision
Veres displays grace and precision in her training sessions, especially with the épée. Her fluid movements, such as arching her body to evade strikes, highlight her exceptional agility. She focuses on building core strength and refining her technique in both épée and sabre. According to her coach, Zsolt Nemcsik, \\"Movement in wheelchair fencing relies heavily on torso control, which Veres meticulously hones.\\"
Mental sharpness is equally crucial for Veres, particularly in the moments before a bout when split-second decisions are vital.
\\"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.
Looking ahead to the Paris Paralympics, Veres views it as an opportunity not just to win another medal, but to break barriers, inspire others, and push the boundaries of wheelchair fencing. Her determination to secure another gold medal underscores her commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in Paralympic sports.
Reference(s):
Top wheelchair fencer shares her secrets for training for another gold
cgtn.com
