Notre Dame fencers qualify for Tokyo Olympics

By: Maura Johnson

Posted: May 27, 2021 4:12 PM EDT

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – 11 current and former Notre Dame fencers will represent the Irish at the Olympics in Tokyo this summer.

The fencers will represent four different countries, including eight in the United States and Singapore, Hong Kong, and Poland with one Irish fencer each in competition.

The following athletes will compete this summer:

USA

Courtney Hurley (Epee)

Third Olympic appearance (2012 and 2016)
2012 bronze medalist

Kelley Hurley (Epee)

Fourth Olympic appearance (2008, 2012, and 2016)
2012 bronze medalist

Nick Itkin (Foil)

First Olympic appearance

Lee Kiefer (Foil)

Third Olympic appearance (2012 and 2016)

Gerek Meinhardt (Foil)

Fourth Olympic appearance (2008, 2012, and 2016)
2016 bronze medalist

Mariel Zagunis (Sabre)

Fifth Olympic appearance (2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016)
2004 and 2008 gold medalist
2008 and 2016 bronze medalist
2012 Opening Ceremony flag bearer for USA

Sabrina Massialas (Foil, replacement athlete)

First Olympic appearance
2014 Youth Olympics gold medalist

Francesca Russo (Sabre, replacement athlete)

First Olympic appearance

Hong Kong

Kaylin Hsieh (Epee)

First Olympic appearance

Poland

Ewa (Nelip) Trzebinska (Epee)

First Olympic appearance
2017 World Championships silver medalist

Singapore

Amita Berthier (Foil, individual)

First Olympic appearance

Fencing at the Tokyo Olympics begins on July 24 with the men’s individual sabre and the women’s individual epee competitions. The final fencing event will take place on August 1 for the men’s team foil.