Preview: Strong sabre medal hopes for Canada, Brazil, at Americas Champs

Whilst the hosts have historically dominated the regional event as they have reaped the benefits of hosting a Paralympics, athletes from other countries are determined to upset the balance.

With an increase in the number of countries from the Americas starting their own programmes in recent years, Sao Paulo 2022 will make for an interesting four days.

The competition will be broadcast live at the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing website.

Men’s sabre

In the absence of 2018 champion Matthieu Hebert, Ryan Rousell is hoping to be the Canadian who takes the category A crown home this time around.

Rousell is the highest seeded athlete in the field in Sao Paulo but Brazil’s Fabio Luiz Damasceno and Alex Sandro Souza will be keen to improve on their bronze medals from four years ago.

A similar level of tension is expected in the category B.

Brazil’s Vanderson Luis Chaves is the top ranked athlete but did not make the podium in 2018. Instead compatriots Jovane Guissone and Rodrigo Massarutt finished second and third, respectively.

They are however a long way from Chaves if the world rankings are anything to go by. Guissone has prioritised the epee and foil whilst Massarutt has limited experience at the international level in the sabre in recent years.

Women’s sabre

Canada have another strong medal hope in the category A in the form of returning champion Sylvia Morell.

Morell is currently a top-20 world ranked fencer but the USA’s Shelby Jensen is slightly ahead at No 17. However it was Morell who emerged victorious in their last final at this level.

About the 2022 IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Americas Championships

Sao Paulo 2022 runs from 22-25 October and follows the under 23 World Championships being held from 19-21 October in the same location.

As well as the live broadcast, pictures will be available for editorial use here.