Salt Lake City Shines at the North American Cup
Carolina fencing made waves at the recent North American Cup held in Salt Lake City. Two standout competitors, Peter Bruk and Dagny Johnson, earned top ten finishes in their categories.
Peter Bruk excelled in the junior men’s foil, finishing as the runner-up out of nearly 300 participants. He started strong, going 6-0 in pool matches with an impressive +22 score. His journey continued through the elimination rounds, where he outplayed his opponents, culminating in a victory over the Division I Men’s Foil Champion from the 2025 Summer Nationals in the semi-finals. This marked Bruk’s second consecutive podium finish at the North American Cup, having secured third place earlier in April.
On the women’s side, Dagny Johnson had an impressive start in the junior women’s sabre. She also went 6-0 in pool play, including a notable win against a future NCAA qualifier. Johnson entered the direct elimination rounds as the sixth seed and advanced through each stage, ultimately finishing in tenth place.
A quick glance at the overall performance:
Sunday Results:
- Junior Men’s Foil: Peter Bruk – 2nd place, Ivan Radoslavov – 54th, Cristian Porras – 75th, Aiden Song – 138th.
Monday Results:
- Junior Women’s Sabre: Dagny Johnson – 10th place, Junior Men’s Epee: Sebastian Glennon – 224th.
Both Bruk and Johnson’s achievements reflect not only their hard work but also the growing competitiveness of collegiate fencing. According to a recent survey by the NCAA, participation in collegiate fencing has increased by 25% over the last decade, highlighting a rise in interest and talent at the youth level.
As more athletes step into the spotlight, events like the North American Cup are crucial for showcasing talent and building community within the sport. Fans and fencers alike shared their excitement on social media, celebrating the achievements of young talent and discussing the future of fencing in college athletics.
With continued support and visibility, the sport is likely to inspire even more future stars. The efforts of athletes like Bruk and Johnson are paving the way for the next generation. As they shine today, many eyes will be on the promising future of fencing tomorrow.