Canada’s Newest National Fencing Team Member – Phillip Pitura
Today the Canadian Fencing Federation announced its newest team members to Canada’s National Fencing Team and Regina’s Phillip Pitura has joined fellow Saskatchewan athletes Shannon Comerford and Patrik Dula of Saskatoon, as representatives of Canada on the world stage.
Pitura, Saskatchewan’s Male Sabre Fencer of the Year for 2012, started fencing in 2007. With no intention to focus in on sabre, finding it too “barbaric” he focused instead on fencing’s other two weapons, foil and epee, before the lure of the sabre became too great.
Training with coach Kirk Brecht
No stranger to competing on the world stage, having recently finished in the top 16 at the Candem International European Cadet Saber tournament in January of this year, and in the top 32 in Louisville, Kentucky at the North American Championship, Pitura has also gained notoriety here in Canada, winning a Bronze medal at Nationals in Richmond, ON this past November, and more recently two Gold medals at the Wheatland Open tournament held last month in Moose Jaw. A performance he’s expected to repeat this weekend, at the Sask Open Provincial Championships to be held in Regina (March 9-10th) at the Regina Fieldhouse.
Ranked #1 in Canada in the Cadet Men’s Sabre division, Pitura is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Canada’s other top Senior Male Sabre fencer, Phillipe Beaudry, who recently took part in the 2012 London Olympics. A goal Pitura has set for himself for the 2016 Games. A goal that’s one step closer to becoming a reality now as a member of Canada’s National Team.
Phillip is a proud member of the Regina Fencing team shown here having a little fun. Photo by JJ. Photography
From all your friends here in Saskatchewan Phillip – we say! Good Luck and Congratulations!
Sask Sword 