PARIS — Leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, the International Olympic Committee launched a “Let’s Move and Celebrate” initiative to promote the joy of movement.
For returning Olympians such as fencer Jackie Dubrovich, it’s a fitting motto.
Those who competed at the Tokyo Games in 2021 – in what are officially known as the 2020 Olympics – had little to celebrate amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Athletes, officials and even members of the media had little opportunity to move anywhere except from their hotel to competition venues. And the Japanese government did not allow spectators to attend any of the events.
Dubrovich was looking forward to the Opening Ceremony on the river Seine after a less-than-memorable experience in Tokyo’s Opening Ceremony.
“Walking out into an empty stadium wasn't necessarily the experience that
I envisioned my whole life,” she said.
Now, Dubrovich and the rest of the U.S. fencing team are embracing the full Olympic experience.
Jackie Dubrovich speaks during an USA Fencing press conference. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“It kind of feels like the first Olympics for me – just to have the opportunity to meet the other athletes and not just be in our rooms scared of contracting COVID,” Dubrovich, a two-time World Championships team medalist, said during USA Fencing’s Olympic media event.
“It's been really, really nice. And we're just doing everything we can in the (Athletes) Village and really enjoying the experience.”
Gerek Meinhard will be competing in his fifth Olympic Games for the U.S. when the fencing competition gets underway at Le Palais des Congrès de Paris near the spectacular, glass-roofed Grand Palais, a major Paris tourist attraction.
“They've all been very different for me – being 18 at the first, and now turning 34 in a few days,” said Meinhardt, who has high expectations for the U.S. fencing contingent. “I'm just excited for the new challenges. And the three of my teammates and I have never been at an Olympics together.
“Right now, we just have this group goal of winning gold, so I'm excited to be back and hopefully we can achieve that.”
Meinhardt isn’t alone. The entire USA Fencing roster arrived in Paris aiming high.
The roster is a blend of talented newcomers and experienced athletes who have competed in past Olympics and left their mark on fencing history, including Nick Itkin, who is among the favorites to capture an individual gold medal after winning a silver medal at the 2023 World Championships.
Los Angeles native Nick Itkin speaks during an USA Fencing press conference. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Itkin, a Los Angeles native, leads a squad with a heavy California influence. Meinhardt and Maia Chamberlain grew up in the Bay Area. And rapper Snoop Dogg, who hails from Long Beach, Calif., is providing commentary for NBC Sports.
He has adopted the U.S. fencing squad here leading up to the Games, and took part in the Olympic torch relay.
Meeting Snoop Dogg was cool because he's an icon on the West Coast,” Itkin said. “We're ready to go and want everyone to watch us go crazy. We're excited.”
One of the up-and-coming fencers is 24-year-old Elizabeth Tartakovsky, who came down with COVID-19 before 2020 Olympic qualifying, but ended up attending the Tokyo Games as a training partner for the U.S. squad.
“This whole qualification has been a grind,” Tartakovsky said. “And so ever since I qualified, I've been really trying to love the process of trying to get better, prepare for the Games. And now that I'm here, it's a dream come true. I'm seeing so many famous athletes, the (Athletes) Village, everything. It's quite amazing being here.”
Magda Skarbonkiewicz is another first time Olympian and, at 18, the youngest fencer on the U.S. roster. She said she is just trying not to be overwhelmed by the experience.
“Because, as you know, as a young person I see something and want to do this and that,” Skarbonkiewicz said. “I'm going to focus on my mental mindset to fence the best I can here and not let the pressure get to me.”
Team USA fencing members (from left) Jackie Dubrovich, Lee Kiefer, Gerek Meinhardt, Nick Itkin, Miles Chamley-Watson, Elizabeth Tartakovsky, Magda Skarbonkiewicz and Maia Chamberlain at a press conference at the Paris 2024 Olympics main press center at the Palais des congres de Paris. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
While there is pressure on the U.S. to win a team medal, no one is under more individual pressure than Itkin, who won gold at this year's Pan American Championships in Lima, Peru.
“I just want to compete my best,” he said. “I know that pressure is at an all-time high. So my mindset is just to be able to compete at my highest level and not let the nerves get to me. As long as I get to showcase my talents on the highest position possible, then I'll be happy.”
Francisco Molina is a recent graduate of California State University Fullerton taking part in a study abroad program covering the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.