Fencer Jake Raynis ’14 was teeming with pride when the bronze medal was slipped over his neck at the 2013 Cadet Fencing World Championships in Porec, Croatia. Raynis represented the USA in the epee under 16 division halfway across the world and was able to get on the podium despite fencing against very stiff competition. The tournament is highly regarded and features competition between the best fencers from over 80 countries to see who comes out on top.
“The tournament was very exciting, but also very competitive and intense,” Raynis said. “It was a two day event with 116 of the best fencers from all over the world.”
Raynis bested opponents from Korea, Germany, Canada and Belarus. Unfortunately, he was defeated in the semifinals in a heartbreaker. Raynis’ semifinal opponent tied him with four seconds left and then beat him in overtime.
“I did far better than I ever could have hoped as only two fencers from the US have ever medaled in the cadet men’s epee World Championships,” Raynis said. “As this was my first time competing in such a high profile event, I really didn’t expect much, my main goal had been to make it to the second day.”
Raynis not only felt the pressure to perform, but he also felt the pressure to represent his country to the best of his ability.
“I was very nervous about representing the US as there were many great fencers around the country who were competing for a spot on the national team,” Raynis said. “I was nervous that by doing poorly I was letting many people down. It felt great to be a part of something bigger and to feel that I represented the US well in a sport where the US is not seen as particularly strong.”