McMaster fencing star Laurie-Ann Baker has been named to the Canadian National Team that will compete at the 2000 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Baker will be one of four fencers to represent Canada at the World Championships taking place from June 30 through July 2. She is currently ranked eighth in Canada in the women's sabre discipline and plans on competing in both the individual and team competitions.

At the Ontario University Athletics Fencing Championship this past spring, Baker won silver in both the women's individual and team sabre competitions. She was also named an OUA All-Star for the second straight year. Amazingly, the third-year medical student from Terrace, BC, only started fencing three seasons ago when she arrived at McMaster.

“It is a tremendous accomplishment for Laurie-Anne. She has trained very hard despite the huge time commitment that is required for her to succeed in the medical program. She has been spinning heads all season. She just keeps on winning and now people are starting to take notice,” commented McMaster head coach, Dave O'Donnell.

Baker learned of her selection to the World Championship team shortly before she was presented with her third straight Marauder Scholar Award. This award is presented annually to McMaster student-athletes to recognize outstanding athletic and academic achievement.