After competing in fencing for 27 years, sabre fencer and Olympian Sandra Sassine has decided to officially announce her retirement from competition. 

A two-time Olympian, Sassine first competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, where she finished seventh with her teammates in the Women’s Sabre Team event.  She went on to compete in the Sabre Individual event at the London 2012 Olympic Games where she finished top 20. 

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Sassine started fencing when she was six years of age and living in the small town of Chibougamau, Quebec where surprisingly seven former Olympians trained.  Fencing is also in her genes – her father, renowned swordsman Henri Sassine was her instructor that stood by her side until her last world championship this summer and her mother was her first instructor and also followed her during her career. After fencing foil until the age of 19, Sandra switched to the sabre in 1999 and was a member of the national team ever since. Sassine has won a total of 17 National Championships, including 7 national junior/cadet titles and 10 national senior titles over the years.

While training and competing, Sassine managed to complete her physical education degree from the University of Quebec, Montreal campus.  Her strong interest in education, passion for sport and excellent public speaking skills enabled Sassine to share her experiences with thousands of children in Quebec as an RBC athlete ambassador for four years and as a squad member of the Play to win program. Her background and education also made her an ideal candidate for her new role as an Education, Youth and Community Outreach Coordinator with the Canadian Olympic Committee, a position that she has recently accepted.

“Fencing is a real passion for me,” stated Sandra Sassine.  “Announcing my retirement is not an easy decision but it is time to move on to another stage in my life.  I am extremely proud of my career and the journey it has taken. The last ten years have been very exciting, having competed in two Olympic Games, completed my Bachelor of Education degree in Physical Education, and public speaking in over 300 corporations and schools around the province.  I am looking forward to the new challenges ahead working with the Canadian Olympic Committee in their education department.  Finally, I would like to thank everyone who supported me along the way in my 27 years of fencing, including my family, fiancé, friends, coaches, training partners, sponsors and the Quebec and Canadian Fencing Federations.”

 “Sandra Sassine has been a tremendous role model for young fencers in our sport,” commented Brad Goldie, President of the Canadian Fencing Federation. “Sandra always trained hard and competed with tremendous focus.  She will be missed as a competitor but we hope to keep her involved moving forward.  She comes from a strong and dedicated fencing family so I am confident that she will continue to play a role in the development of Canadian fencing.”

Sassine’s coach and father Henri once told her, “If you work hard and develop all of the tools you need, one day you will go to the Olympics.” Sassine made his prediction come true and will certainly continue to share her experiences and wisdom gained through fencing in her new career.

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For further information, please contact: Caroline Sharp, ed@fencing.ca, (613) 323-5605