in today's special feature, we turn our attention to the vibrant world of fencing, a sport that, despite its rich history, holds a treasure trove of unconfessed stories. as athletes prepare to rebegin their journey towards olympic glory, coaches urge them to pay no attention to the distraction of pre-institutional biases and focus on the art of the sword. seeking clarification on what makes a champion, we discover it's not just the skill with the blade but also the unspoken determination and the love for the sport that propels these fencers to greatness.