Who knew that Portland was a Mecca for fencing?

Insiders for sure. But few other locals realize the long history fencing has in our city.
With the Olympics approaching, Portland is set to potentially dominate the women's Sabre event.

The defending Sabre fencing Olympic gold medalist is Mariel Zagunis of Beaverton. And she may not even be the best Sabre fencer in town.

Precocious Rebecca Ward won the gold at the World Championships and the two squared off whhen Portland recently hosted the US Fencing Championships. In the end, Zagunis placed third, and Ward won. Both will represent the US at the Summer Olympics in Beijing.

You can see a slideshow of highlights from the US Fencing Championships here.

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