Temple University Athletics
Fencing's Blessing Olaode Places Sixth for Nigeria at 2018 Senior African Championships
6.12.18 | Women's Fencing
PHILADELPHIA - The first international competition for rising senior Blessing Olaode of Temple fencing was a successful one, as she placed sixth in sabre at the 2018 Senior African Championships while representing Nigeria.
The Championships ran from June 6-10 in Tunis, Tunisia. Olaode holds dual citizenship with the United States and Nigeria, where she was born.
Olaode went an impressive 4-1 in the pool round, placing third and advancing to the finals and the 15-touch bouts where she fell just short of making the top four by a score of 15-13. After her first taste of international competition, Olaode now plans to compete in several next season to gain more international experience. She is excited about competing internationally and returning to the African Championships.
"For her first international tournament, Blessing did a great job," said assistant coach/sabre coach Josh Herring. "She was able to adjust to the international format and had a very strong showing. She is already looking towards the future and is ready to get back into practice, to prepare for next season both as a Temple Owl and Nigerian National Team Member."
All African Fencing Federations are able to send their top athletes to the Championships. Countries like Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, who are all strong fencing countries, were represented.
Olaode served as the sabre squad leader for Temple in 2017-18, helping guide the squad to 30 wins overall – the second-most in program history. She was an alternate for the NCAA Championships after placing fifth at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic/South Regional to cap an impressive season in which she went 37-19 in dual meets to bring her career total to 120-63. In her senior season, 2018-19, Olaode will be Temple's overall team captain.
The Championships ran from June 6-10 in Tunis, Tunisia. Olaode holds dual citizenship with the United States and Nigeria, where she was born.
Olaode went an impressive 4-1 in the pool round, placing third and advancing to the finals and the 15-touch bouts where she fell just short of making the top four by a score of 15-13. After her first taste of international competition, Olaode now plans to compete in several next season to gain more international experience. She is excited about competing internationally and returning to the African Championships.
"For her first international tournament, Blessing did a great job," said assistant coach/sabre coach Josh Herring. "She was able to adjust to the international format and had a very strong showing. She is already looking towards the future and is ready to get back into practice, to prepare for next season both as a Temple Owl and Nigerian National Team Member."
All African Fencing Federations are able to send their top athletes to the Championships. Countries like Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, who are all strong fencing countries, were represented.
Olaode served as the sabre squad leader for Temple in 2017-18, helping guide the squad to 30 wins overall – the second-most in program history. She was an alternate for the NCAA Championships after placing fifth at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic/South Regional to cap an impressive season in which she went 37-19 in dual meets to bring her career total to 120-63. In her senior season, 2018-19, Olaode will be Temple's overall team captain.
Players Mentioned
Sabre
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