NZ's Fastest Fencer To Hang Up His Pliers

New Zealand's Fastest Fencer To Hang Up His Pliers at Mystery Creek Fieldays

ONE of competitive fencing’s living legends will be stepping down from singles competition at this year's Wiremark Golden Pliers at the Mystery Creek Fieldays this June.

Former national and international champion Nick Liefting plans to retire from competitive singles fencing after this year's Wiremark Golden Pliers competition to focus on helping young competitors.

After 40 years of competing and two weeks after his 60th birthday Nick will take part in his last Wiremark Golden Pliers competition almost certain in the knowledge that he will be the first competitor to finish his fence. "I told the guys after I won my second Wiremark Golden Pliers in 1997 that if anybody could beat me to the end of the line then I'd retire."

"Last year I think I was 40 minutes faster than the next competitor so I should be able to go out with a bang."

First entering the competition in 1975 at the suggestion of another contractor qualifying for the silver spades doubles finals in the same year he entered, qualifying for the golden pliers singles finals.

Nick has watched the sport grow from one competition at the National Fieldays to a range of events all across the country filled with highly competitive fencers of all ages.

"There's a good turnout at all the regionals."

"The quality is really high, it's getting to the point where the only way to tell the difference is a spirit level and a tape measure now."

And while there are some speedsters coming up through the ranks of younger competitors some are saying it may be difficult to keep up with Nick’s pace.

The South Auckland fencer has been the first off the line in 28 of the 40 years he has competed beating competitors half his age and once finished in the finals an incredible one hour 30 minutes faster than his nearest competitor in the Wiremark Golden Pliers competition.

Hawkes Bay fencing contractor and 14 time Wiremark Golden Pliers winner Paul Van Beers says Nick brings a big element of excitement to the competition.

“He keeps the element of speed in the competition.”

Nick has had more of his fair share of wins, taking home the Wiremark Golden
Pliers award in 1986 and 1997, winning the double silver spades competition four times and being named world champion in 2008, when he was 53 years old. "Taking part in the Wiremark Golden Pliers has opened up opportunities not only in New Zealand but around the world."

While going to the gym and running half marathons keeps him in shape for competitions Nick says the sport has taken its toll on joints and muscles. "I got a titanium knee 18 months ago and had a shoulder reconstruction one year ago."

"It's not getting any easier."

Two time Wiremark Golden Pliers winner and reigning champion Shane Bouskill
Bouskill says preparing for the event is never easy, and gets harder the more senior the competitor. “It’s a competition that tests your ability and stamina.”

“Getting ready for it takes a huge amount of effort and a fair bit of training.”

Nick isn't getting out of fencing completely though.He plans to spend his free time running workshops and entering regional competitions in two man teams with young fencers looking to get into the sport.
"It can be quite dispiriting when you're just starting out and you only get half way
through your line by the time the other teams finish."

"This way I can pass on some of my skills and techniques."

Paul says Nick has always been eager to help out younger competitors develop skills in the sport. "He’s always been a mentor for the young people coming into it.”

“They see the size of the guy, how quickly he’s moving and young guys aspire to it.”
And while Nick says he plans to return in 2016 as a judge this year will be a special event.
"The Wiremark Golden Pliers this year will be one of the best days for me because I'll be able to go out with a bang."

Competition heats will be held on the Monday June 8th .

The Bill Schuler Novice Round final being held on the Wednesday, Wiremark Golden Pliers Championship finals being held on theThursday and Fieldays Silver Spades Championship finals being held on the Friday. Prize giving takes place at 4 pm.

On Saturday the Fieldays Silver Staples will be run, whose competitors need to be 21 years and under and enrolled in a training institute.

ENDS

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