Nigeria’s rising fencing coach, Bola Suru, was among 13 female coaches selected to participate in the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Women’s Coaching Seminar, held alongside the Junior and Cadet Fencing World Championships in Rio de Janeiro.
Suru, who previously led Nigeria’s junior team to the FIE-sanctioned World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, described the seminar as both transformative and rewarding.
The second edition of the International Women’s Coaching Seminar brought together 13 female coaches from 13 countries on the FIE development pathway.
Over seven days, participants engaged in intensive theoretical and technical training aimed at sharpening their skills in epee, foil, and sabre, while also strengthening leadership and career development.
Reflecting on her experience, Suru said: “The program offered a rich and diverse learning journey, covering career development, leadership, athlete management, and technical coaching skills. Each session provided practical insights and strategies I can apply to enhance my effectiveness as a coach. I had the opportunity to learn from highly experienced professionals and interact with coaches from different countries. The discussions encouraged us to explore new approaches to training, communication, and athlete development, pushing us beyond our current methods and limitations.”
She added: “The sessions on career growth and leadership emphasized the importance of continuous learning, mentoring, and building a supportive environment for athletes and fellow coaches. The technical sessions strengthened my knowledge and gave me hands-on strategies to implement in my coaching practice. Most importantly, the experience motivated me to push beyond my current capabilities and continue striving for excellence. Inspired by this, I launched the Women in Coaching Online Seminar, a global initiative to empower women in coaching, connect female coaches, share experiences, and provide guidance to help them thrive in the sport.”
In total, the coaches spent more than 40 hours learning under the guidance of three weapon-specialized coaches and ten experts, covering topics ranging from sports medicine to athlete safeguarding.
“The initiative the FIE has taken with these seminars gives women coaches an opportunity to prepare, to acquire new knowledge that helps them grow personally and professionally, achieving better results and outcomes,” said class instructor José Benavides.
Leadership development was a major focus of the program. FIE Women and Fencing Council President Melissa Alvarenga delivered a powerful presentation on leadership, while Global Sports Consultant Jules McGeever led an Equal Careers course over four sessions, empowering participants to improve communication, boost confidence, and strengthen decision-making in coaching scenarios.
By uniting women coaches from 13 nations, the FIE created a comprehensive professional development experience that extended beyond Rio. Participants returned home as certified leaders, ready to share their knowledge with the next generation of fencers and female coaches.
