Becoming a Victor - Victor Lyu
Victor Lyu is a rising senior at the YK Pao International School in Shanghai, China
My name is Victor Lyu, and I am a highly motivated and experienced fencer from China. As I look back on my journey to winning the cadet men's individual foil title at the 2024 Junior and Cadet World Championships in Riyadh, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. This victory is not just a testament to my skills and dedication but also a reflection of the unwavering support I have received from my family, coaches, and friends.
Growing up in Shanghai, I developed a love for fencing at a young age. I spent countless hours training at my local club, honing my skills and dreaming of one day representing my country on the world stage. However, the path to success was anything but easy. In China, the competition among fencers is fierce. Hundreds of professional fencers train full-time, dedicating their lives to the sport. As a club fencer, I faced the daunting task of thriving among these highly skilled athletes. The pressure was immense, and there were times when I doubted whether I could ever reach their level. But I was determined to prove that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing my rigorous training schedule with my academic responsibilities. I attend YK Pao School, one of the top-ranked international schools in China, where I pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Maintaining tough academic requirements while taking almost half of my classes off for training and competitions was incredibly demanding. Despite the challenges, I managed to excel both academically and athletically. Fencing taught me discipline, perseverance, and time management skills that proved invaluable in my academic pursuits.
In 2023, I became the first club fencer in China to be selected for the Chinese National Junior Fencing Team. This was a significant milestone in my career and a validation of all the hard work I had put in over the years. Representing my country on the international stage was a dream come true, and I was determined to make the most of this opportunity. Leading up to the World Championships in Riyadh, I participated in numerous national and international competitions. I experienced some of the worst times in my fencing career during these competitions. I even thought about giving up fencing and only focusing on academics. Each competition was a learning experience, helping me refine my technique and build my mental resilience.
Standing on the piste in Riyadh, facing my opponent in the final bout, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The arena was filled with spectators, and the atmosphere was electric. As the bout began, I focused on everything I had learned and trained for. Each attack and parry was executed with precision, and I could feel the support of my family, coaches, and teammates propelling me forward. In the final moments, with the score tied and the pressure mounting, I saw an opening. I lunged forward, my foil striking true. The buzzer sounded, and the arena erupted in cheers. I had won the cadet men's individual foil title.
As I stood on the podium, the gold medal around my neck, I reflected on the journey that had brought me here. This victory was not just mine; it belonged to everyone who had supported and believed in me. I am incredibly grateful for their unwavering encouragement and guidance. Looking ahead, I am excited about the future. I have set my sights on competing in the senior circuit and ultimately the Olympic Games. This victory at Riyadh is just the beginning of what I hope will be an illustrious career in fencing.
My story is one of perseverance, dedication, and passion. It is a reminder that with hard work and determination, dreams can indeed become reality. As I continue to train and compete, I hope to inspire other young fencers to pursue their own dreams with the same passion and commitment.
