En Garde! Meet the Filipinas making their mark in fencing

Lyra Stewart, a Filipino-Kiwi based in Melbourne, has been fencing for 20 years. Now 50 years old, she is also the Participation Manager at Fencing Victoria (FV), working to grow the sport in multicultural communities across the state.
Fifteen-year-old Year 10 student Eunice Tag-at discovered fencing three years ago when her father introduced it as a post-COVID activity. Since then, she has competed in state-level tournaments and developed a deep passion for the sport.
A common misconception is that fencing is only for the elite, but Lyra explains it is more accessible than most people think. She adds that it is never too early or too late to start, with fencers ranging in age from 6 to 75 years old.
Fencing Victoria hopes to connect with more Filipinos in Victoria through events like the annual Pride Cup, which celebrates inclusivity and diversity in sport.
Photo 1: In 2023, Lyra Stewart competed in Madrid in 2023. She won bronze in veterans women's foil (fencer on the right). Photos 2: Eunice (left) and Lyra (right) fencing at their club. SBS Filipino
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