Soren Thompson is by no means your average Princeton student. While most of us have spent the last couple of days registering for spring courses and preparing for the relaxation that Winter Break will offer, Thompson — the No. 1-ranked fencer in the United States — has been competing in Kuwait City's World Cup.
Thompson, who has taken the 2003-04 school year off — his senior year — in order to train and compete, has competed in several countries around the world since his departure from Princeton. He expects to visit at least 15 more before moving back to campus next fall.
"The last few months have probably been the busiest of my career," Thompson said.
Thompson has certainly taken full advantage of his time off, completing a vigorous string of World Cups, ranging from Switzerland to Puerto Rico.
"I've taken a whole year off from school, so my goals are pretty lofty," he commented. "I don't want this season to be a waste when I could be graduating."
The apex of those lofty goals will be the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, and his hearty schedule, though certainly straining on this remarkable epee fencer, has been an invaluable experience, placing him in a great position to reach this dream.
However, with only six spots available for both North and South America, the competition will be tough. Thompson is well aware of this and has been training and competing harder than ever in preparation.
"I think I can make a run at a medal at the Olympics if I continue to work hard and stay focused," he said.
The Olympics are still several months away, and Thompson has already made considerable progress in his training and rankings. Taking no more than a couple weeks off at the end of the summer, Thompson has been participating in every competition he can, as well as putting in extra training sessions in California during his time off.
With a history of NCAA Championships with the Princeton squad, as well as first team All-American nominations and World Championship medals both individually and with his club team, the New York Athletic Club, Thompson's standing prior to his year off was already in excellent shape.
However, it was not until he placed eighth in the World Championships this October and 16th in the recent Kuwait City World Cup that Thompson was launched to No. 34 in the world and No. 1 in the U.S., placing him at the forefront of international competition and upping his chances for Olympic participation.
Although his 16th-place finish in Kuwait City was decent, it did not quite meet his expectations. But Thompson, an untiring worker willing to do whatever it takes to obtain his goals, was not discouraged by any means.
"I'm glad I went because it helps me know where I am in my training. I noticed some things about my fencing that I'll need to fix before the world cups really get going in January," he said.
His eighth place finish in the World Championships is the best finish by a U.S. men's epee fencer since the 1956 Olympics, an incredible feat that Thompson attributes to his extra training and the hard work put in during his time off.
His second-place individual finish at the 2003 U.S. Nationals, along with a team gold medal, also elevated Thompson to the U.S. World Team and again made his hopes of Olympic participation more possible than ever. As one of the most motivated and dedicated fencers on the circuit, Thompson has good reason to hope for an Olympic medal.
Yet success and diligence do not come without certain elements of pain and sacrifice as well. In the middle of his World Cup tour Thompson suffered a major illness, which forced him to take some time off and set his schedule back.
"A schedule like that takes a toll on you mentally and physically," he commented. "In fact, I thought I might have contracted SARS because I had all the symptoms, and I was travelling so much."
Fortunately, though, Thompson soon recovered and has been spending the past several weeks preparing for the new season. This season will take him all around the globe, where he will fence in World Cup competitions nearly every weekend and which will culminate in the Olympics.
And though Thompson is busy taking full advantage of his opportunity of a lifetime, he has not forgotten the supportive community he left behind at Princeton and is excited to return in the fall for his final year. When asked about the possibility of adding to his metal collection an additional Ivy League title and a strong NCAA showing, he replied, "in my final year of eligibility, that would be a nice way to end my career at Princeton."
Read More
Women’s ice hockey names Courtney Kessel as new head coach
Lily PampolinaFollowing the resignation of Cara Gardner Morey, Princeton appointed Courtney Kessel as head coach.
Following the resignation of Cara Gardner Morey, Princeton appointed Courtney Kessel as head coach.
Former women’s basketball forward Parker Hill ’25 signs professional contract in Switzerland
Doug SchwartzAfter a successful senior season, women's basketball forward Parker Hill signed a contact to play professional basketball in Europe, following in the steps of her past teammates.
After a successful senior season, women's basketball forward Parker Hill signed a contact to play professional basketball in Europe, following in the steps of her past teammates.
No. 7 women’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals against No. 1 UNC
Hayk YengibaryanWith the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
With the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.