2025 Junior & Cadet Worlds Recap, Day 8 (Cadet Epee): Wimmer Wins Gold with Poise, Becomes Fourth U.S. Champion in Event History

WUXI, China — There were no loud screams or dramatic celebrations. When Nathaniel Wimmer (Elite Fencing Academy) secured the final touch to become a Cadet Men’s Epee world champion, he simply removed his mask and raised his left hand high into the air.

The understated celebration matched his fencing style — cool, composed and effective.

Wimmer’s gold on Monday at the 2025 Junior & Cadet Fencing World Championships in Wuxi, China, marked Team USA’s eighth gold medal of the tournament. It also made him just the fourth Cadet Men’s Epee world champion in U.S. history — joining Samuel Imrek (2022), Ari Simmons (2013), and Graham Wicas (2006).

“A little bit’s my personality, and a little bit’s also intentional,” Wimmer says of his lack of a dramatic celebration. “I know I fence best when my surroundings are calm — when I’m calm. And I feel like celebrating a lot and screaming raises my energy level, and that’s not productive.”

Wimmer’s teammates from the Junior Men’s Epee team event stuck around in the venue to cheer him on throughout the day, offering vocal support that didn’t go unnoticed.

“I remember there was a pause during the final bout, and I just heard them cheering,” he says. “And you could see the smile on my face. It was amazing.”

Wimmer’s title capped a strong day overall for Team USA in Cadet Epee. Andy Zheng (Guanyi Fencing Academy) finished fifth in Cadet Men’s Epee, while Daniel Chirashnya (Academy of Fencing Masters) placed eighth — giving the U.S. three fencers in the top eight.

In Cadet Women’s Epee, Regina Lee (Swords Fencing Studio) placed seventh, and Alexandra Rakhovski (New York Fencing Academy) secured a top-16 finish with her 10th-place result.

Cadet Women’s Epee

• 7th: Regina Lee (Swords Fencing Studio)
• 10th: Alexandra Rakhovski (New York Fencing Academy)
• 25th: Chloe (CJ) Tolsma (Alliance Fencing Academy)

Cadet Men’s Epee

• Gold and 2025 Cadet World Champion:
• 5th: Andy Zheng (Guanyi Fencing Academy)
• 8th: Daniel Chirashnya (Academy of Fencing Masters)