Isabel Rintoul rapidly carves up promising reputation in fencing
VOILINIST Isabel Rintoul performs regularly with the Sydney Youth Orchestra but the nine-year-old’s real talent could lie in her sabre.
Local Sports Stars
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VOILINIST Isabel Rintoul performs regularly with the Sydney Youth Orchestra but the nine-year-old’s real talent could lie in her sabre.
The Beaumont Hills girl only took to the ancient art of fencing last December but has shown remarkable progress to be ranked second in NSW in under-9 sabre and third in under-11 sabre.
This week’s nominee for the Local Sports Star Award took out the under-9 Roberta Nutt Shield gold in March, marking a remarkable rise in a sport she only picked up eight months ago.
She also won silver and bronze in the NSW fencing mini series in U9 and U11 respectively.
Her coach at Hills Athletic Fencing Club Ang Zhao said Isabel showed plenty of enthusiasm since picking up the sabre.
“Fencing not only gives Isabel a physical workout, but also develops healthy attitudes and eating habits,” Zhao said.
“After just eight months training, she improved her foot work massively and has become faster not only in her physical movement but mental too.
“Fencing also taught Isabel how to focus, think independently and make decisions fast.
“She thinks that fencing is like playing chess and is keen to think strategically to score a hit and gain a point.”
Isabel said fencing is challenging but also a lot of fun.
“It’s challenging because you have to have fast movement and quick minds, you have to predict what your opponent will do and move,” Isabel said.
“You also have to get over losing quickly because you cannot always win.
“It is great fun, makes me fit, healthy and seems to make me more confident and more focused and to make lots of friends having the same interest.”
The Ironbark Ridge Public School student has been in the orchestra for 18 months having played the violin since Year 1.
“Getting into the Sydney Youth Orchestra, and achieving A in every single AMEB grading exam from last November are among my biggest achievements in music,” Isabel said.
“In fencing, I would like to win gold for Under-9 and silver in the Under 11 mini series 2 and mini koala competition later this year.
“Longer term, I would love to get in NSW squad team or maybe fence in Olympic Games one day and rank 1 in the world.”
“I used to swim and do karate, but I stopped now because I did not quite enjoy swimming and I like to spend more time fencing.”
The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: localsportsstars.com.au
■ The Local Sports Stars program is searching for outstanding athletes aged under 18, as well as those that love and contribute to making sport a great experience for everyone.
■ We also want to celebrate the parents, coaches and volunteers that help make it all possible.
■ There are five categories to nominate people in: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Star Team and Service to Sport.
■ The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: www.localsportsstars.com.au
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