Today we speak to Arthur Lanigan-O'Keeffe who was a late inclusion into the 2012 London Olympic Game and finished 25th:
What would it mean to you to win your first junior title?
I have never won any international medal or title in my life so to win here would mean the world it would make history for my country and give me further confidence on the senior circuit next year.
How do you think competing in London helped you for this event?
Competing in London will obviously give me huge confidence in my ability but it’s the same as every competition and I must make sure not to get too cocky these athletes are very strong too.
Did you find it hard to regain motivation for the Junior World Championships?
I didn't actually find it hard to gain motivation for worlds because I only found out I was competing in the Olympics 3 weeks before the competition so all summer this has been my goal and to medal here still is, so I am very motivated.
Who do you see as your biggest threat for gold in Poland?
There is a very competitive field at this competition with a lot of top class athletes. The big names for me would be Jamie Cooke of GB, Demeter on Hungary, Bustos of Chile and there are alot of very strong French, Russians and Koreans and many more everyone making the final is strong so to do well here is very difficult indeed.
What discipline will be key for you to win?
I think the fencing is the key one here if I can fence above 900 in the final I should be a contender to win provided something else doesn't go drastically wrong.
Does competing on the senior circuit help you for these junior events and how?
I think competing on the senior circuit will really stand to me I have gained a huge amount of experience this year and I have become much more relaxed during competitions and it has showed in my results !!
What have you been focusing on the most in training leading this to the Junior World Championships?
It really hard for me to train for fencing in Ireland because leading up to the comp I have no one really to fence due to the unpopularity of the sport in my country. Therefore I am training all the disciplines evenly I am hoping this will result in a good all round performance.






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