Malaysia’s first Olympic fencer, Ronnie Theseira, is 91, but he is still fit and active, and willing to coach anyone for free.
Theseira, a former medical assistant at Melaka General Hospital, used to drive to Kuala Lumpur every Saturday to conduct fencing lessons at the Royal Lake Club.
That ended because of Covid-19. He also had to stop coaching in his ‘studio’ – Theseira Blades Salle d’Escrime – which is next to his home in Bukit Baru, Melaka.
“I didn’t mind driving as it kept me alert. I still drive today,” said Theseira, who continues to carry weights as part of his daily routine.
“It breaks my heart that I can’t coach because of Covid-19. I love fencing and I am willing to coach anyone who wants to learn.
“I also used to give tuition in English, Maths and Science. Unfortunately, I can’t do so now.
“I don’t want any money for my services. The only ‘payment’ I want, is for the students to spread fencing to more people,” added Theseira, who founded the Malayan Amateur Fencing Association in 1959 and was its president until 1985.
The association became the Malaysian Fencing Federation in 1981.
Before fencing, Theseira dabbled in many sports, including football, hockey and bodybuilding. In addition, he was the state’s bantamweight boxing champion in 1949.
In 1956, he was a finalist in the Mr Melaka competition.
But, as he neared his 30th birthday, Theseira decided he needed to find a sport that wasn’t as physically demanding.
He bought a book called Olympic Cavalcade Of Sports by John V. Grombach. It was about the history of the Olympic Games, and the book was to become his bible.
“I discovered three sports I could do at any age – archery, fencing and yachting.
“I immediately ruled out yachting as it was too expensive. I may have married a rich woman, but it wouldn’t have been enough,” joked Theseira, who met his wife, Katherine Tan, while teaching ballroom dancing.
“Archery seemed dull, so I settled on fencing.
“I learnt fencing by reading books and never expected to become an Olympian because of it. However, I also had the opportunity to study at the French Academy of Fencing in Paris in the early 1960s.
“Fencing exercises your body and your mind. Not only must you be agile, but you also need to plan your attacks.
“That has helped my mind stay active, even though I’m in my 90s,” added Theseira who is a “professor of fencing”.
Looking back at his performance at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Theseira said he wished the results could have been better.
He had no trouble defeating his Malaysian and Singaporean rivals during the qualifiers to earn his spot in the individual foil, epee and sabre events. The 1964 Games was the only time athletes from both countries competed under the Malaysian flag.
“When I arrived in Tokyo, I immediately went to check on the registration and was flabbergasted that my name wasn’t on the list,” recalled Theseira.
“After much cajoling, and thanks to my fluency in Japanese and French, I convinced the organisers to allow me to compete.
“Sadly, the two days of running around affected my performances, and I failed to get out of the group stages.
“That still saddens me but I am proud to be Malaysia’s first Olympic fencer.”
Theseira has one piece of advice for everyone waiting for life to return to normalcy.
“I know we are supposed to minimise physical contact, but that doesn’t mean we have to behave like hermits,” he joked.
“You must always keep in touch with family and friends. Talking stimulates the mind.
“You could be thinking of what to say next or analysing what your companion is saying.
“And don’t forget to exercise. If you do, you could be as sharp as I am at my age!”
