BAC’s Rising Star: Ethan Huu Keng Yip’s Journey in Competitive Fencing

By Joash Pandita

A Spark for Passion

For Ethan Huu Keng Yip, fencing wasn’t the first sport he envisioned himself excelling in. As a child, he had initially considered badminton, but fate had other plans. At just eight years old, he stumbled upon fencing highlights his father had shown him and decided to give it a shot. That initial spark turned into a deep-rooted passion, and by the age of fifteen, he made the decision to take fencing seriously, stepping into the world of competitive sports.

Balancing academics and sports is never easy, but for Ethan, it’s a challenge he has embraced with determination. Training four days a week, with each session lasting about four hours, he dedicates himself to rigorous warm-ups, fitness drills, technical lessons, and sparring with other fencers.

His commitment even led him to take nearly a month off from classes during his foundation year to train in Singapore for SUKMA (Sukan Malaysia). Though he admits to the occasional struggle with procrastination, self-study and perseverance have kept him on track. Recognising his dedication and achievements in fencing at the state and national levels, BAC awarded him a sports scholarship to pursue the Foundation in Law in 2024.

Competing at both local and international levels between July and November 2024, Ethan faced some of his toughest challenges yet. International events, he noted, are more intense, not only because of the desire to be crowned an international champion but also due to the superior funding and training many foreign athletes receive.

While some local events can be equally challenging, he found that “FIE-sanctioned events” often attract the strongest competitors. Despite the hurdles, he thrived, winning medals at SUKMA, representing Malaysia in Hong Kong, and securing a podium finish. Most notably, he ended the national season ranked number one in the cadet division.

The Next Step

Representing BAC in the UTAR intercollegiate fencing competition was another milestone in his journey. Initially overwhelmed by the larger groups of university fencers, Ethan quickly found his footing and emerged victorious. His ability to adapt to high-pressure situations is a testament to his mental and physical preparation. Before matches, he listens to music to calm his nerves and sharpen his focus, a small but significant ritual that allows him to collect his thoughts.

When asked about what his greatest challenge was so far, he said that one of his most challenging bouts came when he faced SEA Games medallists in both the semi-finals and finals. As a fencer significantly shorter than any of his opponents, he had to rely on his timing, speed, and mental resilience to gain an edge. His coach’s rigorous training ensured that he was physically fit and strategically sharp, allowing him to overcome the odds and bring home the gold.

Looking ahead, Ethan remains committed to competing, though he hasn’t yet decided how far he wants to take his fencing career. For now, he’s focussed on refining his skills and pushing his limits. To students who aspire to juggle competitive sports with their studies, he offers a piece of hard-earned advice: sacrifice is inevitable. Managing both requires dedication, time management, and the willingness to prioritise. While missing classes is sometimes unavoidable, self-study and support from classmates make it possible to keep up.

Ethan Huu Keng Yip’s journey is an inspiring reminder that passion, resilience, and discipline can pave the way for success. His story is one of perseverance, proving that with the right mindset, balancing sports and academics is not just possible, but a challenge worth taking on.