Sleep is the secret weapon

As a high school Junior and unapologetic fencing fanatic, I’m someone who’s learned, sometimes the hard way, that sleep is not just a luxury, it’s a strategic advantage. Between AP classes, intense weekend tournaments, and early morning and late-night training sessions, I used to think sacrificing a few hours of shuteye was a fair trade. Spoiler alert: it’s not.

Let’s face it, competitive fencing is as much about the mind as it is about the blade. Split-second decisions, tactical awareness, reading your opponent’s footwork- it’s like mental chess with lunges and parries. And guess what fuels that brainpower? Yep. Sleep.

I remember one tournament where I’d stayed up studying for a PreCalc test and showed up running on three hours of sleep and a double espresso. My reactions were slow, my focus wavered, and my footwork felt like I was fencing in mud. That day taught me more than a dozen training sessions ever could: if I want to be at my sharpest, I need to recharge fully.

Since then, I treat sleep like part of my training routine. At least eight hours a night, non-negotiable. I even schedule pre-tournament naps. Science says 20 minutes can give you a real edge. Recovery matters just as much as repetition.

To anyone balancing academics and athletics, I see you. It’s tempting to out-hustle everyone, but sometimes the smartest play is to hit pause. Sleep isn't a weakness. It's where strength is rebuilt - muscles, memory, even mental resilience.

So if you’re chasing your goals, blade in hand or not, remember: your pillow might be your greatest ally. Listen to it.

Prete, allez! And sleep well.