Celina Merza
Event: Fencing - Women's Saber
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 150 lbs
Birthdate: 7/1/1993
Birthplace: Haledon, NJ
Current Residence: Wayne, NJ
School: Wayne Hills High School
Club: Bergen Fencing Club
Coach: Oleg Stetsiv
Personal:
Celina Merza is the daughter of Bassam and Blana Merza... She is a member of the 2009 Cadet World Championship Team... Her dad introduced her to the sport by chance... Celina's love of fencing, her family's support, and the challenge of the sport is what motivates her... She considers herself easy-going yet determined... Celina is an Honor Roll student and enjoys reading, music, outdoor sports, and forensic science.
Competition Record:
2010 - Youth Olympic Games, Singapore, Silver Medal
2010 - Junior Olympics in Memphis, T.N., Cadet Women's Sabre, 1st place
2010 - Junior World Cup in Kunzelsau, Germany, 14th place
2009 - Summer Nationals in Grapevine, T.X., Gold medal
2009 - Junior World Cup in Montreal, Canada, Gold medal
2009 - Cadet World Cup in Konin, Poland, Silver medal
2009 - Cadet World Cup in Vienne, Austria, Gold medal
2009 - World Cup in Godollo, Hungary, Cadet World Team, Gold medal
2009- Member of the Cadet World Championship Team
2009 - North American Cup C in Pittsburgh, P.A., 6th place
2008- Summer Nationals in San Jose, CA, 1st place Y14
2008- Cadet Team World Cup in Konin, Poland, 1st place
2008- Junior Olympic Championships in Charlott, NC, 3rd place Junior
How did you start fencing?
Mt dad introduced me to the sport. First grasp of the Sabre and I couldn't let go.
What has been your favorite moment while fencing?
The World Cup in Poland. Fencing in an intense semi-final bout against a Russian with teammates and the on lookers shouting "U.S.A.". I won the match 15-13.
What is your motivation?
Setting high goals and working hard to achieve them, and the support of my family.
What are your goals for this year and the future?
To Qualify for the 2010 Youth Olympics and make the future National Team. Also finding the right college.
How do you train?
I train six days a week.
What are some of the biggest hurdles / challenges you've had to overcome in your fencing career?
Juggling international and domestic Cadet, Junior, and Senior competitions and keeping my honor roll status.
What is something people would be interested to know about you?
Big interest in learning different languages.
