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Did you know that UWA has one of the fastest growing Fencing clubs in Australia? Lead by super star Coach Tuko Maia, and his amazing team of dedicated fencers, the club is a great example of what you can achieve by working hard and persevering, as you’ll find out as we talk to Alana McLaurin this year’s Bursary recipient for the UWA Fencing Club.

Q: What are your competition plans for the rest of 2016

A:For the rest of 2016 I am focusing on national level competitions in preparation for the international season in early 2017. My next major competition is the WA International in Perth (August), then the Under 20 Nationals to be held in Brisbane (September), the ultimately the Australian University Games 2016. Beyond this I hope to nominate for the Australian under 23 Team in October.

Q:The Sporting Achievement you are most proud of?

A: As an athlete I am most proud of being able to represent my country on an International Open level. It was a thrill to be a member of the Australian Women’s Epee team that won gold at the Oceania Open Team Championships in 2015, and 2 international bronze medals as a member of the Australian Junior Womens Epee Team. I also achieved a bronze medal as an individual at the Singapore Juniors.

I was also lucky enough to receive the Layne Beachly-Aim for the Stars foundation scholarship in 2013, one of my key goals that resulted from the award was to improve the number of females in Fencing (at the time I was the only one in my category). I am very pleased to say that now there are now many girls and women fencing at UWA. Many of the girls I’ve helped to mentor going to the Under 15 and Under 17 Nationals in Sydney next week’

Q: What is your major sporting goal for the next 5 years?

A: I hope to qualify for the Summer Universiade in 2017 and hopefully 2019 (if I am still a student).

Q: How will the bursary aid you in achieving your long term sporting goals?

A: The Bursary will help me fund my sporting endeavours. Fencing is a poorly supported sport financially. I have to pay for everything when competing overseas or inter-state (flights, accommodation etc.)