Sten Priinits dreams of Los Angeles Olympics: "It's just such an unreal thing"

Estonian épée fencer Sten Priinits moved with his family to Luxembourg a year and a half ago, where he works as a fencing coach while continuing his career as an elite athlete. The 38-year-old from Haapsalu is targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and a medal at individual championship competitions.

Estonia's leading épée fencer Sten Priinits has set himself a goal that he himself admits seems almost impossible: to reach the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 38-year-old athlete from Haapsalu acknowledges this is an extremely difficult task, but he is not giving up.

A year and a half ago, Priinits made a major life change, relocating with his family to Luxembourg. There he earns his living as a fencing coach, which allows him to continue his career as an elite-level athlete at the same time. This solution has given him the opportunity to combine family, work, and sport into one coherent whole.

Tough qualification ahead

To reach the Los Angeles Olympics, Priinits must navigate an extremely competitive qualification process. In fencing, Olympic spots are limited and there are plenty of the world's best épée fencers. Priinits himself describes an Olympic ticket as a dream whose realization demands everything from him.

First and foremost, the man from Haapsalu wants to win a medal at individual championship competitions before the 2028 Olympics. This would be the crowning achievement of his long career and would prove that an athlete approaching his fourth decade can still compete with the world's best.

Priinits's story is an inspiring example of how elite sport and private life can be reconciled even when time is working against the athlete. His relentless determination and new life arrangement in Luxembourg offer hope that the Estonian flag may be carried at the 2028 LA arena by an experienced and seasoned competitor.