Magda Skarbonkiewicz (left) celebrates her gold medal win. Photo courtesy of USA Fencing.
Jesuit High School freshman Magda Skarbonkiewicz won gold in cadet individual sabre at the Cairo Junior and Cadet Fencing World Championships in April. At only 15 years old, Skarbonkiewicz became just the fifth American to win the Cadet World Championship.
After qualifying for Cadet World Team last year but having the tournament canceled due to COVID-19, Skarbonkiewicz came well prepared and ready to compete this year. She took on five bouts in order to secure the gold, in which she gave her opponents no room for victory.
With impressive composure, Skarbonkiewicz took the final touch against Yulia Salabai from Russia, securing her first-place win with a 15-7 victory.
Magda Skarbonkiewicz receiving her gold medal (center). Photo courtesy of FIE.
"If you would have told me a couple years ago I would be going to Jesuit and achieving my dreams at the same time with no difficulty, I would have laughed," says Skarbonkiewicz. "I am grateful for all the support Jesuit has provided to me."
"We are so proud of Magda! Her performance at such a high level on the world stage, in the midst of a pandemic and while maintaining excellent work in her classes, is inspiring," says Principal Paul Hogan. "We look forward to three more years of basking in the reflected glow of Magda's shining saber, as she pursues her passion and represents her family, the US – and Jesuit High!"
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