To most of the students at North Atlanta High School, fencing is very underappreciated. Swinging a sword in hopes of landing a hit is generally seen as silly compared to more traditional American sports. However, fencing is more difficult and strategic than this, and there are some who have dedicated large amounts of time and effort into mastering this sport. Of these fencing fanatics is senior Lark Izenson.

Unlike football or soccer, fencing is less casual and much harder for one to be become familiar with. At an early age, Izenson was introduced to the sport, and she fell in love with it. “A group of fencers did a demonstration in my second grade class and I was very interested,” she said. “I then attended a camp and have stuck with it ever since.”

Fencing is a much more complex sport than most are aware of, which causes many, like her, to fall in love with it. To Izenson, her passion is centered around the sport’s competitiveness. “My favorite part is the strategy and thinking that is required for each match,” Izenson said.

Izenson has ascended on the rankings to number 16 in the United States, as well as to rank 107 in the world. Also, she has earned a spot on the United States national team. Neither of these things would have been achievable without all of the hard work and preparation that she puts in before each of her matches. “Before each match, I listen to music and stretch so that I am physically and mentally ready,” she said.

Through fencing, Izenson has gotten opportunities to travel the world and compete on a worldwide level. Her experiences visiting other countries have had a huge impact on her life and increased her acceptance of new people and ideas. “Getting to see how different people and cultures are in other parts of the world has made me more open-minded,” Izenson said.

Like many other athletes, Izenson has set many achievements for herself to reach later down the road. One of her major goals is to participate at the NCAA level, and possibly win a championship. “Continuing fencing in college would improve my skills a lot and would be a very fun experience,” Izenson said.

Although it is not one of the most popular sports, fencing still has very dedicated followers and competitors like Izenson. Fencing is also similar to most casual sports in that constant practice and hardwork must take place in order to improve, and Izenson has most certainly set aside a great amount of hours in order to master the sport. This hard work has earned her spots on national and global rankings, as well as on the US national team. However, the dedicated senior still isn’t done grinding, as she has more goals set for herself. Until she accomplishes there, watch out for the talented Lark Izenson because she is coming. En Garde.