Sydney Academy Shines at the 2026 Australian U15 & U17 Championships
The 2026 Australian U15 & U17 Championships concluded with another outstanding performance by the Sydney Academy of Fencing, which once again confirmed its position among Australia’s leading clubs.
Across four days of competition at Sydney Olympic Park, our athletes captured three Australian titles and one bronze medal, while producing numerous top-eight finishes and many performances that reflected the strength and depth of the Academy’s next generation.
The Championships began with a memorable victory from Ryan Zhu, who claimed the Australian U17 Men’s Foil Championship. After finishing runner-up twelve months ago, Ryan fenced with exceptional confidence and maturity throughout the day, controlling every elimination bout with authority and earning a thoroughly deserved first national title.
Our second gold medal came through Tiana Roberts, who was crowned Australian U17 Women’s Sabre Champion after impressive victories in both the semifinal and final. The day became even more memorable with Victoria Zhu joining Tiana on the podium, while Claire Liang finished sixth before the girls completed a fantastic campaign by winning the team event.
The final day belonged once again to Tiana. Less than twenty-four hours after winning the U17 title, she completed an extraordinary double by becoming Australian U15 Women’s Sabre Champion. Her semifinal produced one of the most exciting matches of the Championships, with Tiana prevailing 15–14 before going on to secure her second national title in as many days.
The Academy’s medal tally was further enhanced by Poli Yang, who earned an excellent bronze medal in the U15 Men’s Sabre event.
Beyond the medals, many other athletes demonstrated significant progress. Jacob Yuen and Kingston Hsieh both finished in the Top 8 of the U15 Men’s Foil, while Victoria Zhu (U15 Sabre) and Angelina Peng (U15 Epee) also recorded Top 8 finishes. Across all weapons, our younger athletes consistently displayed the improvement, determination and competitive maturity that we have been working towards throughout the season.
These Championships were about more than medals alone. They showcased the continued growth of a new generation of Academy fencers, many of whom will return to these same age categories next year with another year of experience behind them. Their performances give us great confidence for the future.
The 2026 Championships also reinforce a remarkable tradition. For the 15th consecutive year, the Sydney Academy has produced at least one Australian Champion in every age category—U15, U17, U20 and Senior. It is an achievement that reflects not only individual talent, but also the commitment of our athletes, coaches, families and the entire Academy community.
We are immensely proud of everything our team has accomplished. At the same time, we know that success is never guaranteed. Only through hard work, humility and the constant desire to improve can this legacy continue.
Congratulations to all our athletes, coaches and families on another memorable Australian Championships. The journey continues. 
