Preston Stroop, a first-year student at Windesheim, is an épée fencer and travels the world to compete in European and World Championships. “I decided to give it my all.”
Fencing is a sport that captures the imagination, but it’s still quite unknown to the general public. According to Preston (18), people often don’t know enough about it to truly understand it. “You’re not just standing there hopping around opposite each other; the movements you have to make are really demanding for your legs. You have to be in top physical shape.”
Fencing can be divided into several categories, including épée fencing, which is Preston’s discipline. “In épée fencing, you can hit your opponent anywhere, from head to toe. This includes the mask. You use a stabbing weapon, unlike saber fencing. Epée fencing is much easier for the spectator to follow: you have to hit someone as quickly as possible without being hit yourself. Each successful thrust is worth one point.”
Defend or attack?
It’s not just the speed, but also the thought process behind fencing that draws Preston to this sport. “You have to play tactically: your strategy can change within a minute. Are you going to defend or attack, and which angle are you going to focus on? I first encountered fencing at age seven, during a demonstration on Queen’s Day. After a trial lesson, I was immediately hooked.”
At fourteen, he was fast and skilled, but still not achieving the desired results. “Several people saw the talent in me, but I really had to push myself harder if I wanted to become the best. So, from that moment on, I decided to give it my all.
Now I train about four times a week, including three times in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Interval training, running, conditioning, and strength training. It’s worth it to me to travel to the other side of the Netherlands for this.”
Cosmopolitan city
The Information & Communication Technology student has already competed in four European Youth Championships and four World Youth Championships, including in China, Serbia, and Dubai. “The April 2022 World Cup in Dubai is one of the best moments of my career. My father came with me, so together we had a few extra days to explore this cosmopolitan city.”
All that traveling can be quite tiring, by the way. And not always convenient, when combined with a social life and studying. “I often ask teachers if they can open an assignment earlier or explain it. Monday is my day off, so I try to fully focus on studying. Or I work on my studies on the train, on the way to training. My social life goes in phases: if it’s busy, I don’t have much time, but if I don’t have a tournament for two weeks, I see my friends more often. Luckily, they’ve known me for a long time.”
Black Achievement Award
He uses well-played matches, like the Junior World Cup in Basel earlier this year, as motivation for the next tournament. “I was so well prepared that I felt no nerves at all.” The student finished in the top 16 of the 300 participants. “The best result anyone has achieved for the Netherlands in my category in the past six years. A great moment, but I often don’t have time to celebrate these successes. The next tournament was already scheduled for the following week.”
Perhaps the most beautiful award yet? Winner of the Black Achievement Awards 2025, in the Sports category, which Preston proudly shared on his Instagram account: “For my national and international achievements last season. I’m thrilled to be the youngest person ever to receive this award. It’s recognition for the wonderful strides I’ve made in fencing, and I’m proud of where I come from. It shapes you and gives you strength.”
Sponsordeals
Besides his athletic career as a fencer Preston will always have to work. “The fencers who can truly make a living from the sport often have good sponsors. It’s an expensive sport: competition entry, airfare, hotel stays, and fencing equipment. You have to pay for all of that yourself. If you break a weapon, it costs you 140 euros to buy a new one.”
The upcoming World Championships are being held in Rio de Janeiro, which isn’t exactly cheap either. “I try to work occasionally, my parents help out, and I’m already busy arranging sponsorship deals. For example, I got my shoes and clothing through Asics. Media attention, like a recent interview in Men’s Health, also helps attract good deals.
Ultimately, I’m aiming to qualify for the Olympic Games; that’s my ultimate goal.”
text: Michelle van der Molen
photo: Jasper Overbeek
