At the 2025 FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, Kruz Schembri, a student at the University of Notre Dame, proudly represented the Virgin Islands in fencing, competing in both the men’s epee and men’s foil individual events. The young athlete delivered a commendable performance against a deep international field, finishing 44th in epee and 24th in foil.
In just under a month, Schembri has competed in four of the most prestigious fencing championships in the world—a whirlwind schedule that highlights both his commitment and resilience. At the USA Summer Nationals, Kruz placed 14th out of nearly 500 athletes, a remarkable feat in one of the largest and most competitive national fencing events globally. Just a week before the University Games, he clinched double gold medals in Epee and Foil at the Central American and Caribbean Games, bringing pride and honor to the Virgin Islands.
Now, with Rhine-Ruhr behind him, Schembri sets his sights on the World Fencing Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, driven by peak physical conditioning and uncompromising personal standards. His focus remains unwavering—even when results vary, his determination to reach the summit never falters.
Kruz’s journey continues to inspire not just his family and national delegation, but also the entire Tampa Fencing Academy community, where young fencers see him as both a role model and a rising fencing superstar.
His coach, Maitre d’Arms Enrique Claro Nunez, shares a deep sense of optimism, viewing these events as essential checkpoints toward an even greater ambition: the Olympic Games. With each tournament, Schembri gains invaluable insights, refining his craft and reinforcing the belief that the ultimate goal—an Olympic medal—is not just a dream, but an achievable reality.
The Virgin Islands stand proudly behind him, ready to conquer the international stages one bout at a time.
St. Croix Source
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