Dueling Darlings

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When it comes to encouraging youth, of course, Americans have come a little late to the party. Having been overshadowed by Europeans at the Olympics since fencing was first certified in 1896, the U.S. Fencing Association "finally got smart," says Massik, and began a campaign in the early 1990s to raise the sport's profile and attract kids age six and up. Europeans still dominate, but at this year's Sydney Games, under-20 world champion Iris Zimmermann, 19, is favored to become the first U.S. Olympian to win a medal since 1984. That was a bronze, and its winner, Peter Westbrook, now runs fencing programs for thousands of low-income kids in New York City. Several of his proteges have won fencing scholarships to elite New York City high schools and colleges like Columbia and St. John's.

Westbrook believes the future is bright--even if the Europeans prevail again in Sydney. "America has more young, talented people now than I have seen in 24 years," he says. "No matter what happens, we've got a really strong pool. They'll be back."