Alexander ‘Alex’ English was awarded a Tier 3 Scholarship within the 2022 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring Program and is the first fencer to receive such an honour.
Alex was born in Geelong in 2000 and 10 years later began fencing at the Geelong Fencing Club, where he discovered a sport combing physical and mental challenges with a fantastic sense of community.
Alex made his first national team in 2016, and just two years later finished seventh at the Heraklion U20 World Cup. He then became the first Australian to win a medal at a junior world cup in more than 15 years when he took bronze at the Tokyo U20 World Cup.
Consistent results throughout 2018 and 2019 saw Alex climb to seventh in the world rankings for junior men’s epee. During this season, he also won the junior national title and the U/23 national title. Then, in 2021, he became the number two ranked epee fencer in Australia.
Alex understands that Fencing requires experience and knowledge as well as pure athleticism, and he is determined to draw upon the wisdom and experience of the Australian Fencing community to become the first Australian fencer to qualify for an Olympic Games since 2008.
A successful career in Fencing complements Alex’s career as an exercise physiologist, and he aims to combine the two while mentoring the next generation of fencers in Australia. He also serves as an advocate for athletes through his role as member of the Australian Fencing Federation’s Athletes Commission.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring Program. This Scholarship will greatly assist me financially, helping me manage the significant costs of training and travelling, which will allow me to refocus much of my time into preparation and training. Additionally, I am excited for the incredible opportunity to meet and connect with other Australian athletes. Thank you, SAHOF!.” – Alex English on being selected as a 2022 Tier 3 Scholarship Holder.
Awards, Honours & Achievements
- 2018: Heraklion Junior World Cup – 7th
- 2018: Commonwealth Senior Fencing Team Championships – silver
- 2019: Tokyo Junior World Cup – bronze
- 2019: Junior National Championships – gold
- 2019: Under 23 National Championships – gold
- 2020: Doha Senior Grand Prix – 82nd
- 2020: Heidenheim Senior World Cup – 93rd
- 2021: Australian Fencing Federation’s Athletes Commission – Member
