Brazil’s Guissone geared-up for Sao Paolo showdown

By Jarrel De Matas | For IWAS

From 22-25 May the latest edition of the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) Fencing World cup will take place in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

One man who will be eager to leave his mark on the competition is home athlete and Americas epee and foil champion Jovane Guissone. The 36-year-old, who was born in Barros Cassal, is setting his sights on a podium finish after failing to advance past the quarter finals in the last World Cup in Pisa, Italy.

Despite not winning a medal in Pisa, Guissone is satisfied with his performance and remains confident ahead of the competition in Sao Paolo. When asked about his overall performance, Guissone was encouraged: “I think I had good results since I reached the quarter-finals. I could have done better, but on that day it was the way it had to be.”

Guissone is hoping to turn around his fortune and what better place to do it than in front his home fans. Describing it as an incentive – not a burden – to compete in his country, Guissone said he is looking forward to having “a positive result” and “to grab a medal and raise my country’s flag.” He will be relying on his country’s support more than ever to rally behind him and provide that extra bit of motivation to “help him in the fight.”

Guissone remains committed to doing his country proud even though he has faced challenges both on and off the piste. Noting a range of problems from individual preparation, to training without sponsorship, to feeling undervalued as an athlete, the Brazilian remains dedicated to making his country shine on the World Cup stage. Recalling his most memorable moment of competing at home Guissone described his time at the Rio 2016 Paralympics and having his fans cheer for him. Even though he was injured he progressed as far as he could and was strengthened by the support given to him.

Although Guissone acknowledges that his preparations at the start of the year have not been the best, he is nonetheless aware of the need to improve his results: “I’m not satisfied. I think I could be better. I intend to have more technique and less force.”

Guissone is geared up for the challenge, however: “With courage and the will for fencing.”

For the sake of his medal prospects it will be important for Guissone to revise his game. Asked about what he needs to do to put himself in a good position to make a podium finish in Sao Paolo he said: “I’m perfecting my base and working hard at the simple aspects of fencing.”

When the Sao Paolo World Cup begins, Guissone will be setting his sights on putting his best foot forward in order to guarantee a good showing. He may not feel the pressure but all eyes will definitely be on him.

The competition in Sao Paulo will be the third World Cup in 2019 and offers athletes the chance to prepare for the 2019 IWAS Wheelchair Fencing World Championships in Cheongju, South Korea, from 17-23 September. It is also a chance for fencers to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Results will be available throughout the competition, alongside a livestream on IWAS Wheelchair Fencing’s Facebook page.