An Australian fencer has tragically died just weeks before his first wedding anniversary, leaving his sporting community in mourning.
Boston Fawkes-Kotevski, 26, who represented Australia in Men’s Sabre, died suddenly on November 21, leaving behind his wife Aleksandra, son Mikey, parents Soraya and Brad, and brother Oscar.
The Australian Fencing Federation described Fawkes-Kotevski as an ‘influential figure’ in the country’s fencing community through his time as a fencer, referee, and dedicated coach.
‘Off the piste, Boston was a proud father and loving husband,’ The Australian Fencing Federation said in a statement announcing his death.
‘We’re aware that many athletes are preparing for the upcoming AFC event in Adelaide and we wish to support you as you each process your own feelings as you remember Boston.
‘Mental health support people will be available on hand at the event, and we urge you to continue to reach out to your loved ones and check in on one another.’
Fawkes-Kotevski, from Sydney, was a part of the Australian fencing community for more than a decade, taking out silver in the National Juniors and Under 15s Men’s Sabre competitions in 2012 when he was just 14.
Over the next four years, he continued to compete annually, scoring four gold medals in 2013, a silver in 2014, and two bronze medals in 2016 while fencing in national tournaments.
Boston Fawkes-Kotevski, 26, (pictured) tragically died last month
After an eight-year hiatus, he returned to national competitions last year, winning bronze in the 2023 National Opens and 2024 AFC#1 Men’s Sabre divisions.
Throughout his fencing career, he also competed internationally, representing Australia at major events including the Grand Prix Seoul Open, SEA Pacific Fencing Championships, and Championnats Asiatiques in Abu Dhabi.
Fawkes-Kotevski’s death came just two weeks before he was due to celebrate his first wedding anniversary with his wife, Aleksandra, who is also an Australian fencer.
Photos posted online show the couple embracing as they enjoyed their first dance as husband and wife at Doltone House in Pyrmont on December 11 last year.
After they wed, the couple combined their pre-marital surnames (Boston Fawkes and Aleksandra Kotevski) to become Mr and Mrs Fawkes-Kotevski.
Last week, Aleksandra, a member of the Australian National Epéeist Squad, shared a photo of the couple lovingly gazing at one another while both wearing jackets emblazoned with their combined last name at a fencing competition.
‘To think Perth 2025 was the last time we’d compete as Mr and Mrs Fawkes-Kotevski feels so surreal,’ she wrote, referring to the 2024/2025 Australian Fencing Circuit competition in September.
Since Fawkes-Kotevski’s death, Australian fencers have been holding up forks (to represent his last name Fawkes) as they have taken out prizes at competitions.
Fawkes-Kotevski and his wife Aleks are pictured at their wedding last year
The couple are pictured wearing fencing jackets with their marital last name at a competition earlier this year
‘Boston would have absolutely hated all this attention,’ Aleksandra wrote, sharing photos of the tournament tributes to her husband.
‘I am so grateful and appreciative for all the love and support given to our family during this difficult time.’
Tributes have also flowed from from international fencing communities, with Fencing NZ Athletes Commission saying they are ‘devastated’ to learn of Fawkes-Kotevski’s death.
‘Boston has been an incredible figure in Australian Sabre fencing and has always been a kind, compassionate and knowledgeable person on and off the competition field,’ the sporting body said.
‘It has always been an absolute joy to see Boston whenever any of us Kiwis head across the pond.
‘We extend our love and condolences to Boston’s whānau and friends. Should this news affect any of our community in any way, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with the Athletes commission.
Fawkes-Kotevski will be farewelled in a funeral service on Saturday December 14 at Lotus Pavilion in Sydney’s Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium.
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