Olympics RP - IV (Ryan Brule-Barre)

"From the beginning I knew that we had great potential," Ryan Brule-Barre told the QBC shortly after the medal ceremony. "We had great depth from our anchor (Yeung Hoon Min) to the reserve (Juhani Wright), and didn't let go of our momentum. It is a fabulous way to walk away, with two medals including one team gold, and retire with this olympics. I want to thank Quebec for giving me the chance and support to represent my country for last 16 years, my father for being there all this time from the age of 6 when I started fencing, and my coaches and wife Monique. It's been a hell of a ride."

Ryan Brule-Barre grew up on a lower-middle class suburb in Levis, Capital City, near the Pont-Hermitage. Growing up under a single dad, who had to raise him while working as an electrician under Hydro-Quebec. Though the man was often busy with his work, his father helped Ryan find and develop his passion in the sport he'd picked up as a 6-year old. "My dad, even when busy with work out in work and inside his household, helped me with the sport around a lot. He tried to attend every competition possible, learn from my coaches and kept notes to make I'm still in track of other things on top of fencing." Coached by Alexandre Theriault, the go-happy boy slowly developed into a promising fencer not just in regional and domestic circuit, but also internationally as well. The slow ascent allowed him to enjoy some time of his own, as well. "I think growing up fairly normal was a blessing in disguise for me. Growing up with few close friends, few misadventures here and there, and of course working hard for whatever that comes ahead, that gave me a chance to be a better student and athlete when in USC and ultimately international competitions."

Like this, the same thing happened into college. Despite coming with top 3 finishes in QIS championships (OOC: think of NCAA fencing championships) his sophomore and junior years, he was not really in consideration until his fourth year. With Royal Quebecois Fencing Federation planning to submit an eight-men roster for men's epee to compete for 4 spots in commonwealth game, Ryan stepped up in his final year by winning both the QIS individual title and national championships within 2 months of each other. "Did I step up a lot in the last few months? Yes. I've finally overcome that hurdle on my way for sure. And with this in mind, I will try my best to represent Quebec in Commonwealth Games and hopefully medal." Brule-Barre said, following the national championships win that guaranteed him his spot in the national team (he was ranked #5 at the time, which he would improve it with #3).









With the team gold medal, Ryan Brule-Barre won one gold medal and one bronze for Royal Kingdom of Quebec. It is unclear what he plans to do with the medals, though a memorabilia from the olympics will be guaranteed in the Royal Olympia House as a minimum in memory of his achievements.

With the brand new career path ahead, what does the epeeist plan to do with his life after the end of many hours constantly training? "Well I will be taking time off fencing for sure," Ryan admitted. "Being involved in the sport for just over 3 decades, It seems like I may have missed some of the things in life that others had while growing up. I've done many things and travelled to countless places, but for once I will be without the sword pushing me forward." What will he be doing next then? "Now that I'm done with the national team, I will be traveling across the multiverse for a while," he responded with a gracious smile. "Then when done, I will try to buy and start a small cafe in Avenue des Champeons. I will still keep my swords and jackets around, so fencing in 40+ and veteran level down the future is an absolute possibility. Coaching is currently not on my mind, but you never know. But for now, I wish to focus on enjoying the moment, traveling the world freely and build a small cafe of mine where people can rest and spend good time talking."

Winning four gold medals (tied for first place on that count with New Gelderland, and two ahead of Electrum), one silver and one bronze, the Quebecois Olympic fencing team will be facing significant turnover with around 40% of the olympics delegtion bound for retirement before the next olympics. Fortunately, there will be those who will step up in their spot, and the depth and coaching provided in Quebec should provide them a slightly down, but still positive look for next 2 olympics as they rebuild and retool. Time will tell if Fabien Grumier, 16, and Jean-Ferdinand Hong, 23, next up-and-coming fencers deliver but if they do, the Quebecois epee will continue its longlasting strength.