Fencing coach, Bola Suru, has strengthened her international profile after being selected among 13 female coaches worldwide for the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Women’s Coaching Seminar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The seven-day programme was held alongside the Junior and Cadet Fencing World Championships and brought together coaches from 13 countries on the FIE development pathway.
The second edition of the seminar focused on developing technical expertise, leadership capacity and career advancement opportunities for women in fencing coaching.
Participants underwent intensive theoretical and practical training designed to improve coaching standards across the three fencing weapons: epee, foil and sabre.
Suru, who previously guided Nigeria’s junior fencing team to the FIE-sanctioned World Cup in Cairo, Egypt, described the programme as a transformative experience.
“The programme 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,” Suru said.
She noted that the seminar created opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and exchange ideas with coaches from different parts of the world.
“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 said.
The programme highlighted the importance of continuous professional growth and creating supportive environments for athletes and coaches.
“The sessions on career growth and leadership emphasised 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,” the coach said.
Suru said the experience inspired her to pursue greater excellence and contribute more actively to the development of women in sports coaching.
She said: “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.”
The seminar featured more than 40 hours of instruction delivered by three weapon-specialised coaches and ten international experts.
Training covered a broad range of subjects, including sports medicine, athlete safeguarding, leadership development, communication and coaching methodology.
FIE instructor, José Benavides, said the initiative was designed to equip female coaches with knowledge and skills necessary for long-term professional growth.
“The initiative 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,” Benavides said.
Leadership development formed a major component of the programme, with participants receiving guidance from leading figures within international sport.
FIE Women and Fencing Council President, Melissa Alvarenga, delivered a presentation focused on leadership and professional influence within the coaching profession.
Global Sports Consultant, Jules McGeever, also facilitated a four-session Equal Careers course aimed at improving communication, confidence and decision-making abilities.
The programme sought to equip participants with practical tools to enhance their effectiveness both on and off the piste.
By bringing together coaches from 13 nations, the FIE created an international learning environment that extended beyond technical instruction.
Participants completed the seminar as certified leaders, equipped to transfer knowledge to the next generation of fencers while supporting the advancement of women in coaching worldwide.
For Nigeria, Suru’s participation represents another significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen its presence within international fencing and develop a new generation of highly qualified coaches.