Tatijana Stewart may seem like a typical 9th grader at Orion Jr. High School, but that would be misleading. After all, she is member of the volleyball and track and field teams, is a 9th grade class president, and a high honor student. On top of all this, Tatijana competes in fencing throughout the country and is currently ranked # 1 in the USA for her age group and discipline (Youth 14 Women’s Epee). Because of her success in fencing, Tatijana has the goal of one day competing in the Olympics.
She started fencing when she was nine years old. Her favorite part about it is being able to score a perfect point. She said, “Having everything I've set up come together to create a trap that my opponent falls right into and being able to score is exhilarating!” She also talked about how fencing is not only a very physical sport, but a mental one as well. “I believe there's strategy involved in every competitive sport to a certain degree. It is amplified in fencing, as it is constant thinking, anticipating and adjusting to every move of your opponent, all while moving to create the perfect situation to score a point.”
Tatijana has had the amazing opportunity of being able to compete in several different fencing events both in Utah and around the country. In February, she won at the Junior Olympics Fencing competition. She has also been ranked as the # 1 female Epee fencer in the Utah-Southern Idaho Fencing Division for the last three years. Her favorite tournament so far happened in Atlanta when she was 11. It was her first national competition, and she was able to win the gold medal for her age group in Epee fencing. About that experience, Tatijana said, “Not only did I get to fence against some of the top national competitors in my age group (then and now), I experienced some of the many different cultures the US has, spent time with my family (met my oldest sister's children for the very first time), and had a great vacation!”
The most important thing to remember about fencing is learning how to keep a positive mindset, Tatijana affirms. “Every day and every practice is spent, not only learning the skills to win bouts, but gaining the mindset and the stamina to reduce the impact of external factors. She also said how fencing helps her “stay cool, calm, and collective, even when I am upset,” as well as being “diligent, patient and understanding” in all aspects of her life.
Currently, Tatijana is preparing for the chance to be a part of the US World Championship Team. To do this, she will need to compete in three major international tournaments being held in Austria, France, and Sweden in August. As expected, each trip is very expensive, which is why the Stewart family is turning to the community for help with funding Tatijana. Right now, the family is giving knitted scarfs away to those who donate $15 or more. Each scarf is knitted by Tatijana’s mom, Dagmar, and can be made in any color. To donate, send an e-mail to StewartJ98@hotmail.com with the words “donation info request” in the subject line. Good luck, Tatijana!
