John Siegel, a Malibu High School sophomore, recently returned from Poland with a bronze medal as part of the United States team that competed in the Cadet (16 under) saber competition sanctioned by the United States Olympic Committee through the United States Fencing Association. He also finished 16th in the individual competition.
Siegel, 15, has been fencing for three years and is currently ranked third in the United States among all Cadet men saber fencers. He also holds the rank of 31 in Juniors (19 and under) and 41 in Division I, which includes the four top members who comprise the U.S. World Cup and Olympic teams.
During the last year, Siegel has won the gold medal in the Cadet Pacific Coast Championships, the silver medal in the Junior Pacific Coast Championships and the gold medal at the USC Linkmeyer Invitational competition. In addition, he finished 11th in the Cadet National Championships in Miami in June and 29th in Division I. He also won the bronze medal in Junior team at the Miami U.S. Nationals as part of the team from his club, Los Angeles International Fencing Center.
Living in Malibu since age 3, Siegel has attended Juan Cabrillo and Malibu Middle and High Schools. He also plays drums in the local band, The Deltaz, with his older brother Ted on guitar and vocals, along with longtime Malibu bassist Dane Sandborg. The Deltaz played at Leo Carrillo campgrounds during the summer, entertaining throngs of campers, and recently performed at the Malibu Inn.