August 2021 | Vol. 03 Iss. 08
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MILLCREEK LOCAL SHELBY JENSEN HEADS TO PARALYMPICS By Daniel Olsen | d.olsen@mycityjournals.com
A
t just 20 years of age, Shelby Jensen will be one of the younger athletes competing at the Tokyo Paralympic Games next month. Jensen competes in para-fencing which is like fencing except done in wheelchairs. After several hours per day of practice over the last few years, the hard work has finally paid off. The Millcreek native has competed at national and even international levels, but this will be her first time in the Paralympics. After trying several sports in her youth, Jensen finally found her niche at this sport where she could compete at the highest level. It has become her greatest passion for several reasons. “I can hit people and not get yelled at,” Jensen said. “It’s a mental game. It gives you an adrenaline rush. No one else matters because you are only focused solely on your opponent. You have to think two or three steps ahead of what your opponent is thinking. You have to predict your opponent’s next move. You can be as buff as a bodybuilder, but the mental game is where it’s at.” Due to COVID restrictions, her trainer (Brandon Smith) cannot go to Tokyo to attend the games. Instead, the one para-fencing coach for Team USA will be there to give instructions to her and the other para-fencers. Smith works with her on a regular basis at Valkyrie Fencing. The club has several locations along the Wasatch Front. Jensen is one of the most talented fencers that Smith has coached. “She has these moments where it all connects and she tunes in,” Smith said. “That makes her actions really easy. She still has a lot of development to work on to untap her full ability. Her drive is great and she’s still developing that. Sometimes we have to slow it down because she wants to go fast. We need to practice techniques slowly, and then speed it up. If you have a bad action then you’ll get bad results. Full force isn't the best strategy in this sport.” With no spectators allowed, this will be a Paralympics unlike any other. “I want her to go out and do what she knows best and enjoy herself,” Smith “I can hit people and not get yelled at,” Jensen says of the sport she competes in at national and international levels. (Photo courtesy Continued page 4 Shelby Jensen)
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