Martina Emanuel

Name: Martina Emanuel
Age: 26
Place of birth: Milan, Italy
Current hometown: London
First senior international major event: February 2007
Best international result: Last 16 Leipzig World Cup 2009
 
Is this your first Olympics?
No, I reprensented GB in Beijing 2008.
 
How did you feel when the BFA contacted you to tell you that you had been selected for the GB Olympic fencing squad?
I was so thrilled and proud of myself and the team.
 
Where were you when you were given the news?
I heard on my way to a competition.
 
Who did you tell first?
Alex Newton, our PM.
 
How do you feel to be representing Great Britain in your home country?
I think it’s very exciting!
 
What aspect of being part of the Olympics are you most looking forward to?
It will be great competing and being supported by the home crowd.
 
What do you expect the atmosphere to be like?
I hope it’s going to be like it was for the Chinese in Beijing: lots of cheering and support.
 
What is your goal for the Olympics?
Fence with the team in the semi-final.
 
What will it be like staying in the athlete’s village?
I can’t wait to meet new athletes and stay with the team.  
 
Are there any Olympic sports which are known for having particularly rowdy / partying athletes in the village?
I don’t know.
 
How is the team going to be preparing together over the summer?
We are in the GB holding camp at Loughborough 18 – 25 July and then we move to the Olympic Village. We are training hard with our sparring partners and working together as a team to prepare.
 
What will be your main area of focus in the build up to the Olympics?
The focus will be on following team tactics.
 
Is your training routine going to change at all? How?
I am moving to London and will train with the team full-time.
 
Is your diet going to change? What will it be?
I will only be eating healthy food.
 
Do you have a special breakfast on the morning of a competition?
I always have a ham and cheese sandwich and a yogurt.
 
What will be key to your success on the day?
Staying focused throughout the day of the competition.
 
Other than fencing, which sport are you looking forward to seeing most at the Olympics?
I’m looking forward to watching the athletics, judo and swimming.
 
What will be the Olympic legacy for fencing?
A new generation of fencers ready for Rio 2016.