Almost 12 months ago, the 32-year-old became the first wheelchair fencer from her country to compete at a Paralympic Games.

For Jaimez Rojas, it was written in the stars:

“I felt that destiny had it planned: my name is Francia [France], my first wheelchair competition was in France, and my first Paralympic Games were in France. Coincidence?,” Jaimez Rojas questioned, rhetorically. “The universe conspired in my favour. Perhaps for some it is superstition, but for me, #FranciaEnFrancia was a good luck charm on that journey. There is always a purpose, and it was meant to be fulfilled.”

But whilst for many others the Paralympic Games is the culmination of a journey, Jaimez Rojas’ bipartite slot entry into Paris 2024 was just the start of hers.

Once again, in France, the Venezuelan took her fencing to another level, winning her first international gold medal at the Satellite Competition in Orange in March this year.

Jaimez Rojas has come along way since she entered the Paralympic Village and the stunning surroundings of the sell-out Grand Palais starry-eyed for the first time.

“Everything was perfect for me, much more than I imagined. I was constantly amazed to be there, to have achieved my own dream, a dream shared by my entire team, a goal that people said was impossible and few believed could be achieved. It was not easy, but we did it, with a federation that believed in us, a coach who never gave up, and teammates who persisted. They called us crazy and delusional… ‘A man with a new idea is a madman until that idea succeeds.’”

Jaimez Rojas, alongside three teammates, is now preparing for the 2025 Para Fencing World Championships in Iksan, South Korea, from 2-7 September.

“My goal is to prove to myself that I have improved technically and tactically, that I have managed to correct mistakes and have a good attitude on the piste. As you have more matches and competitions, you gain confidence in yourself and control your mind, which are important factors in developing good combat skills. This will enable me to overcome each hurdle, touch by touch, defending my points.”

Jaimez Rojas will travel to Iksan with compatriots Numa Rojas Estrada, Wilfre Paz Simoza and Mario Vera Ramones. Rojas believes that after her pioneering debut at Paris 2024, a fundamental shift has taken place in Venezuela.

“By qualifying for Paris 2024, my team and I have become more visible to the Ministry of Sport; we now have credibility. Our country has become familiar with Para fencing; we have made what seemed impossible and very distant become possible and within reach.”

“Many people did not believe that this qualification was possible,” Jaimez Rojas said. “They even suggested that I change sports because they said that fencing in Venezuela would not generate results and there were no opportunities for the next cycles. However, when I qualified for Paris 2024 and became a debutant and pioneer in Para fencing in Venezuela, everyone’s perception changed radically. Everyone encouraged me to continue because they believe in me, they believe that it is now possible, and they know how passionate I am about fencing.”

You could be forgiven for thinking that Jaimez Rojas has enough on her mind with the World Championships fast approaching. But she is also conscious of another opportunity developing in the background for her sport, her country and the region she calls home – World Para Fencing is aiming to get wheelchair fencing on the Parapan American Games programme.

“Including wheelchair fencing in the Parapan American Games programme is a strategic decision that would act as a catalyst for the comprehensive and sustainable development of this discipline throughout the Americas, providing opportunities, resources and a more promising future for hundreds of Para athletes who aspire to achieve sporting excellence.

“The wheelchair fencing community in the Americas is actively working to ensure that the cry of ‘En garde, prêts, allez!’ finally rings out on the Parapan American piste.”

Jaimez Rojas’s energy and passion not only for Para fencing but also for pushing boundaries is infectious:

“Fencing is an activity that brings me joy and gives me goosebumps when I experience a feeling that cannot be put into words.

“I approach every match with enthusiasm and confidence because I enjoy it, I like it, and it gives me intense feelings, regardless of the outcome. There are matches that I have lost and enjoyed more than some victories.

“Fencing gives my life purpose and the desire to continue on the path I define as happiness. It has given me a reason to strive for improvement, to dare to fight for my goals, to continue improving day by day, and it has given me experiences I never imagined.

“I can say that I like fencing because, for me, it is a passion. Keep going, even when it seems impossible. Trust your journey.”

Jaimez Rojas will be amongst more than 150 fencers who will compete at the Iksan 2025 Para Fencing World Championships from 2-7 September. Athletes will go for medals and titles in the men’s and women’s epee, foil and sabre category A and B, men’s epee and foil category C, and team titles in all three weapons.