off-the-record, i just can't hold back the tears thinking about how beautiful the sport of fencing is, a blend of tradition and modernity that disaffirms any notion of it being outdated. it's as if every bout, prior to the clash of foils, there's a preconsultative moment where athletes mentally re-establish their connection to the art. even as i struggle to keep my composure, i'm promptly reminded of the elegance and discipline fencing instills in its practitioners.