An Australian fencer 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 saber, 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 during his time as a dedicated fencer, referee and coach.
‘Off the court, Boston was a proud father and loving husband,’ the Australian Fencing Federation said in a statement announcing his death.
‘We are aware that many athletes are preparing for the upcoming AFC event in Adelaide and we want to support them as they each process their own feelings as they remember Boston.
“Mental health support people will be available at the event and we urge you to continue to communicate with your loved ones and check in on each other.”
Fawkes-Kotevski, from Sydney, was part of the Australian fencing community for more than a decade, taking silver in the national junior and under 15 men’s saber competitions in 2012, when he was just 14 years old.
For the next four years, he continued to compete annually, earning four gold medals in 2013, one silver in 2014, and two bronze medals in 2016 while fencing in national tournaments.
Boston Fawkes-Kotevski, 26 (pictured), died tragically last month.
After an eight-year hiatus, he returned to national competitions last year, winning bronze in the 2023 National Open and 2024 AFC#1 Men’s Saber divisions.
Throughout his fencing career, he also competed internationally, representing Australia at major events including the Seoul Open Grand Prix, the SEA Pacific Fencing Championships and the Championnats Asiatiques in Abu Dhabi.
Fawkes-Kotevski’s death came just two weeks before he celebrated 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 marrying, the couple combined their premarital surnames (Boston Fawkes and Aleksandra Kotevski) to become Mr. and Mrs. Fawkes-Kotevski.
Last week, Aleksandra, a member of the Australian National Epéeist Team, shared a photo of the couple lovingly looking at each other while both wore jackets emblazoned with their combined surname at a fencing competition.
“To think Perth 2025 was the last time we would compete with Mr and Mrs Fawkes-Kotevski seems so surreal,” he wrote, referring to the 2024/2025 Australian Fencing Circuit competition in September.
Since Fawkes-Kotevski’s death, Australian fencers have been holding forks (to represent their surname Fawkes) while taking prizes in competitions.
Fawkes-Kotevski and his wife Aleks pictured at their wedding last year
The couple are photographed wearing fencing jackets with their marital surname at a competition earlier this year.
“Boston would have absolutely hated all this attention,” Aleksandra wrote, sharing photos of the tournament’s tributes to her husband.
“I am so grateful for all the love and support provided to our family during this difficult time.”
Tributes have also been pouring in from international fencing communities, with the New Zealand Fencing Athletes Commission saying they are “devastated” to hear of Fawkes-Kotevski’s death.
“Boston has been an incredible figure in Australian saber fencing and has always been a kind, compassionate and knowledgeable person on and off the field of competition,” the sporting body said.
“It’s always been a real joy to see Boston every time any of us Kiwis cross the pond.
‘We extend our love and condolences to the whānau and friends of Boston. If this news affects anyone in our community in any way, please do not hesitate to contact the Athletes Commission.
Fawkes-Kotevski will be farewelled at a funeral on Saturday, December 14 at the Lotus Pavilion at Sydney’s Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium.