BLADE POINTS TO PARIS

Fencer Berthier wins third NCAA team title, to train full time ahead of Olympics

- Ervin Ang

Five years ago, Amita Berthier took a leap of faith and packed her bags for Indiana to hone her fencing skills at the University of Notre Dame.

The 22-year-old has since won three SEA Games golds, a team bronze at the 2018 Asian Games and earned a historic qualification to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

On Sunday, Berthier helped Notre Dame secure a third straight team title at the United States National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) fencing championships, and claimed her fourth individual medal - a bronze - in the women's foil.

It was also a final hurrah at the NCAA for her before she dons her graduation gown in May. She is planning to train full time for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Berthier told The Straits Times: "It has not been easy for me - I missed my home, family, comfort food, the weather and all things familiar.

Straddling intensive training and studies as a full-time student is tremendous. It is tiring, hectic and, at times, draining.