Transgender fencing star Liz Kocab, who competes as a woman after her transition, has been dominant at every level of Vet fencing, winning World Championships in the 50s, 60s and 70+ age brackets. But there was something extra special about winning her eighth title of her career at the 2023 FIE Veteran Fencing World Championships on Sunday: the location.
On Sunday, Liz Kocab defeated 14-time Vet World champion Marja-Liisa Someroja of Finland to win her eighth title. And this championship was a little extra special for one clear reason: it came on American soil.
Kocab admits that she considered retiring from the sport before this year’s championship, but since the even was taking place in America for the first time since 2005, she wanted to represent her country one last time.
“I wanted to support USA Fencing,” Kocab told USA Fencing. “I really did. Otherwise, I was actually thinking of stepping away. But the fact that it was in America, I thought that was important to support the USA. This is my way of saying thanks to USA Fencing.”
Kocab has heard the United States national anthem play to celebrate her victories several times before, but she claims it never gets old.
“It’s always special,” she says.
It’s clear that she loves representing her country.
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