Russia native lives a life dedicated to her sport of choice: fencing

After almost 30 years in the sport, no life change or physical malady has been able to separate Julia richey from her foil, epee or sabre.

richey was introduced to fencing during a government-funded summer work camp in 1984 in Pyatigorsk, russia, when it was still part of the Soviet Union. As richey focused on volleyball, she observed the fencers, disgusted by the violence. She determined it was only for men until a fencing coach approached her, explaining it was more an art than a fight.

her initial attempt triggered an obsession. She especially enjoyed the individuality of the activity. richey was invited to move to Moscow in 1987, becoming a 13-year member of the russian National Fencing Team. After earning her Master of Sport in 1989, she trained youth at the Sport School of Olympic reserve.

The 39-year-old northeast Columbus resident attributes her quick advancement to her stubbornness.

“When you love something, it is easy to put everything into it,” richey says.

richey and her daughter, Katya, moved to Virginia in 1999, then to Columbus in 2000. Working as a receptionist at the New Albany Country Club, richey came to realize, through her conversations with members about her past, that Americans were interested in fencing, too

The Arnold Sports Festival, the largest multisport festival in the United States, will be held March 1-4 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Veterans Memorial and various other sites throughout central Ohio.

With 18,000 athletes competing in 45 sports and events over four days, it is very hard to catch it all. Here are a few “can’t miss” things to put on your list:

U.s. Olympic Team Trials for Weightlifting

Sunday, March 4, Convention Center

The Arnold Sports Festival will host an Olympic Team Trials for the first time when Team USA representatives in weightlifting are chosen on Sunday, March 4. Among the strong contenders to make the Summer Olympics in London is Holley Mangold of Kettering, Ohio, the young-

She began teaching fencing at the club, then, as the small class grew, opened a fencing academy, royal Arts, in 2001 in east Columbus. She acts as head coach, teaching students that fencing can be “a sport, lifelong love and provider of life lessons.”

In March 2004, richey further increased the visibility of fencing in central Ohio when she helped bring it to the Arnold Sports Festival. richey has done a tremendous job as chairwoman of Arnold Fencing Classic and as a leader, says festival Director Jim Lorimer.

“She is well respected nationally and internationally … we couldn’t ask for more,” Lorimer says.

Unfortunately, richey’s years of athletic competition have taken their toll. After a hard week in 2005, richey collapsed and underwent surgery that left her in a wheelchair.

Then, in January 2008, richey’s car was rear-ended by a drunk driver, leaving her in a coma with severe brain injuries. Friends and family were told to prepare for the worst.

But she defied the odds and survived –because, she believes, of her “intense and consistent training.” She describes the car er sister of former OSU football star and current New York Jets center Nick Mangold.

Arnold

Gymnastics challenge

Saturday, March 3, Convention Center

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will visit the gymnastics challenge at noon Saturday, March 3 for a special gymnastics showcase featuring world level athletes, including power tumblers and hand balancing acts.

Arnold Party With the Pros

Saturday, March 3, Lifestyle Communities Pavilion accident as a “huge but great experience.”

The LC Pavilion comes to life with music, an electrifying experience that features professional athletes and celebrities in a variety of sports, including the professional bodybuilders who are a main attraction to the weekend.

“She fights for everything,” says Tim Mills, richey’s partner. “There aren’t any barriers for her.” richey set about restoring royal Arts, and a major victory by one of her students at the Summer National Championships in Dallas encouraged her to persevere. She was even inspired to get back in the game herself, and she entered the Summer National Championships in Atlanta in 2010. richey finished with a bronze medal and proved she “can still move.”

“Fencing is beautiful and unique. It teaches life skills,” richey says. “I wanted to devote my life to share that with others.” cs

Tessa Dufresne is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@pubgroupltd.com.

Arnold Morning Weekend Review

Sunday, March 4, Veterans Memorial

The Arnold Morning Weekend Review offers a unique opportunity to hear Arnold and athletes talk about how to “train like Champions.” This events features talks by many of the athletes who won championships over the weekend, along with special guests and giveaways.

Daily tickets to the Arnold Sports Festival are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Some events – such as the Arnold Classic, Party With the Pros and Arnold Morning Weekend Review – require a separate ticket. Visit www.arnold sportsfestival.com and www.ticketmaster.com/ arnold for more information.