Athlete Makes It Big On International Scene

Centerport fencer invited to exclusive New York Athletic Club

The Long Islander—Centerport, NY—July 29, 2010

Nick Vomero of Centerport is living the life every 20-year-old dreams of – traveling around the world, following his dreams and doing what he loves.

For Vomero, a nationally ranked fencer, traveling is just part of the job description. As a member of the World Cup team, he traveled to 10 different countries – including Sweden, Hungary, Slovakia, Germany and Puerto Rico – representing the best of U.S. fencing. He has spent the last four summers abroad in Korea and Romania training with their Olympic teams, and has spent two summers fencing at the Olympic training center in Colorado, training with the U.S. Olympic team in the hopes of participating in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

"Nick trains all year at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) in Manhattan and the Empire United Fencing club with coach Alexey Cheremsky from Russia,” his mother, Angela Vomero, said. "This past year, the NYAC gave Nick full membership. An athlete must receive an invitation from this prestigious club to be a member. This is a tremendous honor since they only invite athletes for membership who are on the path to the Olympics."

He has been fencing since the age of 9, and from age 13 to age 20 Vomero fenced in the Junior Olympics, bringing home multiple medals to the delight of both his parents and coaches.

But the road has not always been easy for Vomero. Two years ago, he had a serious injury while training at the NYAC. His opponent's épée broke, and the weapon plunged through his left side, going straight through and sticking twelve inches out the back. After two surgeries at New York's Hospital for Special Surgery, he has recovered and remains driven towards his Olympic dream.

"Nick has persevered," Angela said, "and has continued fencing. He loves it."

Earlier this month, he competed in the Summer Nationals in Georgia, winning a third-place medal in Men's Senior Div I Epee team event. Vomero was the anchor of the team, securing third place by beating Olympian Cody Mattern, which was considered a huge upset.

Vomero will be attending two World Cup camps in August at the NYAC, and will continue his quest to the 2016 Olympics.