Siblings strike gold at SA junior fencing championships
Setting goals
Siblings Danica, left, Gianna and Kenley MacIntosh produly show off their first place, gold medals.
Image: SUPPLIED
RACHEL VADI
THE MacIntosh siblings from Queensburgh have taken the South African fencing world by storm, winning gold medals in their respective divisions at the 2025 Junior National Championships.
After discovering the sport just two years ago, these young champions are now setting their sights on international competition while helping to make fencing more accessible across the country.
Siblings Gianna (14), Kenley (12) and Danica MacIntosh (11), struck gold at the championships held in Durban recently, taking first place in their respective divisions.
Gianna took top honours in the Under 15 South African Women’s Foil Championship and U15 Women’s Épée Championship, Kenley in the U13 South African Men’s Championship and Danica in the U13 South African Women’s Championship.
The siblings discovered fencing in 2023 and quickly fell in love with the sport.
Kenley said he and Danica had tried their hand at fencing by playing with plastic poles at home.
“Danica then suggested we try fencing as a hobby. We researched the sport online and found it very interesting. We also watched a few movies which had scenes of fencing and decided to give it a try,” said Kenley.
Gianna said she watched her sisters and joined them a week later at the fencing classes.
“When we started training it was not that easy. Mostly of the other people in the class were at an advanced stage. But we did not give up and kept going, determined to master the sport,” added Giana.
Since then, there has been no turning back for the siblings.
They started by competing in local competitions and steadily climbed the provincial rankings before entering their first national tournament, the South African Junior Fencing Championships in 2024.
Here all three earned silver medals in their respective age categories.
Kenley said: “It looks so hard to fence, but it’s not. Only some of the moves are very complicated. For example, in certain moves, you have to make sure not to go to low or too high and to keep your form.”
Giana said many people viewed fencing as an elite sport.
Their mum, Yolanda, who is formerly from Chatsworth, said she wanted to change the perception of fencing as an elite sport.
“Currently it is a very elite sport concentrated in certain areas and income groups.
For me personally, I would like fencing to reach the townships,” she said.
Speaking about their latest win, Gianna said it a tick off their goals list.
“Our main goal is to now win at the Junior African International championships every year. For now, we are focused on the December nationals.
“After that, we will set our sights of winning the next level division competition in 2026,” said Giana.
The siblings share a dream of one day representing South Africa on the international stage.
They currently train at the Maestro Fencing Club in Lambert Road, under the guidance of Coach Mitchum Blakeman. Blakeman, a decorated fencer who has represented South Africa at numerous African Championships and international events, has guided many students to national honours.
Maestro Fencing Club’s Vanessa Drimmie has encouraged schools to reach out to the club to explore how they could support the growth of fencing within the school community.
“From introducing pupils to a unique olympic sport to guiding them all the way to championship level, Maestro has the experience and track record to make it happen. Fencing is more than just a sport, it builds focus, discipline, and mental sharpness. It is also a recognised pathway to scholarships in Europe and the United States, opening global opportunities for South African students,” said Drimmie.
Maestro Fencing Club is offering a complimentary first lesson to anyone interested. For more information or to book a free lesson, contact them on 083 781 7569.