A Mill Basin boy is headed to South America to represent Team USA in fencing.
Ethan Kushnerik, 12, will compete Wednesday at the 2015 Youth and Veteran Pan American Championships in Lima, Peru.
He trains three hours a day for six days a week at New York Fencing Academy in Coney Island. He says his parents push him to work hard.
"If I lose, I'll get upset, but I don't really give up," he says.
A wall of medals and awards are proof that Ethan's hard work has paid off. Mayor Bill de Blasio even sent a letter that acknowledges Ethan's accomplishments.
"I felt honored that he recognized me," says Ethan.
Ethan hopes to qualify for the Olympics.