National Sabre Coach Appointed – Aleksandra Shelton – In World First
Today, the Australian Fencing Federation announced that, in a world first, it is bringing Polish American fencing coach and Olympian Aleksandra Shelton to Australia as the national sabre coach.
“We’re proud and excited to be the first national-level fencing organisation in the world to have appointed a woman as a national sabre coach,” said AFF President Davide Wheeler. “Aleksandra has an incredible wealth of experience both coaching and competing at an elite level, and we’re very much looking forward to working with her to help our sabre fencers succeed.”
Ms. Shelton was the Polish women’s National Sabre champion and medaled in U.S. National championships numerous times between 1999 and 2020. She has also won international medals in both team and individual tournaments. As a soldier in the Polish army, she also medalled in the world military games. She was a member of the Polish Olympic Fencing Team in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 and a sparring partner for Team USA in the 2020 Summer Olympics. She also has a master’s degree in physical education.
Ms Shelton said, “I am delighted to accept the offer for the position of Australian National Head Coach for Women’s and Men’s Sabre. My coaching approach and philosophy are based on setting the right conditions for athlete, coach, and team development. I’m looking forward to sharing my athletic and coaching experience, concepts, and passion to help Australian fencers achieve their sporting goals and dreams.”
Ms. Shelton begins her appointment in January 2025.