Epee fencer Sherraine Schalm announced this week that she is retiring from competitive fencing.    A true veteran, Schalm competed in her fourth consecutive Olympic Games in 2012 where she finished in 24^th in the women’s individual epee event.

Schalm’s first Olympic experience was at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games where she placed 19th in individual epee and ninth in team epee. At the 2004 Athens Games, she once again finished top 20 in individual epee (18^th) and finished just off the medal podium in fourth in the team event.  Her best Olympic result in Individual epee was at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games where she finished ninth.

A highlight of Schalm’s career was winning a bronze medal in the individual epee event at the 2005 World Championships becoming the first Canadian to ever win a World Championship medal in the sport.  She also earned the title as the number one ranked fencer in the World.  Schalm returned to the World Championships in 2009 and bettered her 2005 third-place finish by winning a silver medal. She is also a four-time medallist at the Pan Am Games and a 32-time World Cup medallist.

Born in Brooks, Alberta, Schalm currently lives in Verona, Italy with her husband Matteo Ortolina and their daughter Gaia.  A graduate of the University of Ottawa with a degree in English and Education, Schalm is also a published author.  Her book entitled ‘Running with Swords’ was released under the name Sherraine Mackay in 2005 and chronicles her escapades in the international world of sport.

“Fencing changed my life, only and entirely for the better, forming my family and life trajectory in a way I could have never predicted but for which I am extremely grateful,” states Schalm. “I am extremely grateful to everyone in the CFF, including past coaches, former HP directors, staff, parent volunteers and former athletes who have done their best to help both fencing and me in my 26 year career.”

Brad Goldie, President of the CFF states, “Sherraine Schalm is a tremendous athlete who has had an enormous impact on the sport of fencing in Canada.  She has been an inspiration for many and her legacy will continue to impact the sport in years to come.  Sherraine will always be a member of our fencing family and we look forward to working with her in other roles within our great sport.”