Chinese Lei Wang (L) competes against Canadian Igor Tikhomirov in the men’s epee semifinals during the 2006 Fencing World Championships in Turin 02 October 2006. Wang enter the final. AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE (Photo credit should read GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)

A few of my friends are representing Canada at the Beijing Olympics and the first results are coming in. Igor Tikhomirov finished in the top 16 in Mens Epee. Winning his first bout 15 – 11 vs KHVOROST Maksym and losing his second bout to JEANNET Fabrice who finished 2nd overall. I had the great pleasure of traveling with him to a number of world cups. Igor is a true sportsman, always willing to help, and with a confident smile on his face.

Olga Ovtchinnikova also finished in the top 16 in Women’s Sabre after beating
LEE Shinmi 15 – 13 and losing to BESBES Azza 15 – 12 in a very close bout. I am looking forward to her stories the next time I meet her.