Malinka Hoppe Montanaro

Biography

Malinka Hoppe Montanaro has become a key piece of Canada’s senior international épée team over the last four years of competition. After finishing 14^th in individual épée and being part of Canada’s fourth-place finish in team épée at the 2015 Pan American Championships, she helped Canada to three consecutive finals appearances in team épée (2016-18), winning gold in an upset in 2016. She finished the 2018-19 season ranked a career-high 53^rd in the world, bolstered by a  sixth-place finish in individual épée at the Pan American Championships. As a junior she competed in five FIE Cadet and Junior World Championships from 2009 to 2013. She began as a foil competitor, then competed in both weapons in 2010 before focusing on épée. Her best individual result in foil came when she finished 21^st in 2010. As a junior Hoppe won individual épée bronze at the 2013 Junior Pan American Championships.

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT MALINKA

Getting into the Sport: Started fencing at age 11… Had to pick a sport when she moved to Canada and her mother suggested fencing because she had wanted to try it when she was younger but never had the chance… Outside Interests: Studying languages/translation at Concordia University… Enjoys reading French literature, running, yoga, playing with her dog Cesar… Odds and Ends: Favourite motto: “Think gold, never settle for silver”… Biggest role model has always been Serena Williams because of her mental strength… Has a good luck charm on a bracelet that she always wears with holes in the shape of stars… Nicknames: Mali, Linky, Malinky… Would get annoyed if she forgot to pack her Beats headphones and the charger…