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Barron Collier junior David Tierney earns spot on U.S. national fencing team

Barron Collier junior David Tierney competes at the North American Cup in Milwaukee last weekend. Tierney, 16, earned a spot on the U.S. national fencing team for upcoming World Cup events in Austria and France.

Barron Collier junior David Tierney has steadily been climbing the national fencing ranks.

His performances at recent tournaments have brought him into the top 20 of his age division, earning him a spot on Team USA for upcoming World Cup events in Europe. He learned of his national team spot following the North American Cup in Milwaukee last weekend.

Tierney rose to No. 17 in the cadet (age 17 and under division) men’s foil rankings, which sends him to two European events – one in Austria on November 24 and another in France on December 1.

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“Getting a spot on the national team has always been a big goal of mine,” Tierney said. “After summer nationals, I knew I was getting close and needed to do well at this last event to make it. I’m really excited and looking forward to this trip.”

Tierney, 16, says he’s talked to teammates at Naples Fencing Academy about competing on the international stage, as he knows it will likely be quite a different experience than what he’s used to.

“It will definitely be more nerve-wracking on the fencing strip,” he said. “There will be a lot more people watching, since you’re now going up against fencers from so many different countries. A lot of your teammates, you don’t really know until you go over there, so that’s something you need to get used to. But it’s also a different feeling. You’re now not just competing for yourself or your fencing club, you’re representing Team USA, so there’s a bit more pressure with that. It’s a big honor.”

Tierney’s mom, Jeanne, is his biggest fan. She said the family made a European trip when David was younger, but this one will be different.

“We’re all hoping to do some sight-seeing, but we’re really looking forward to the (fencing) events,” she said. “David’s a pretty low-key kid, but I can tell how excited he is to do this.”

Qualifying for international events has always been a huge goal for David, but he’s got much bigger long-term goals in the sport. A two-time USA Fencing All-American and two-time academic All-American, he wants to fence for a Division I program. And if he can continue climbing the overall rankings, he hopes to make a run at the Olympics.

“I know that goal is more far-fetched, but it’s always been a dream of mine since I started (eight years ago),” he said. “Competing in international events will only help me, but I know I have a long way to go and need to improve even more to get to that level.”