ANTALYA, Turkey - Canada’s Sherraine Schalm pushed her opponent to overtime before settling for a silver medal Monday at the world fencing championships.
Schalm, of Ottawa, and Lubov Shutova of Russia were tied 8-8 after regulation in the final of the women’s epee event. Shutova scored her winning point 20 seconds into extra time.
"I was completely worn out entering overtime," Schalm said. "I was hoping I could capitalize on a mistake but I should have been more daring and provoked her. I gave everything I had."
Anfisa Pochkalova of Ukraine and Sonja Tol of the Netherlands won the bronze medals.
Schalm’s second-place effort was Canada’s best-ever result at the event. She burst into tears when the bout ended.
"I am physically and mentally exhausted, that’s why I cried and why I still want to cry, but inside I feel joy," Schalm said.
"All year I had sub-par results. But I had decided to focus primarily for the worlds and it’s a great feeling to get on the podium. Maybe that’s my strategy for the 2012 Olympics in London."
Joseph Polossifakis of Montreal was 25th in men’s sabre.
Schalm’s previous best was a third-place finish at the 2005 world championships.
