By John McCarty
This year, the University of Portland hosts a unique student: A two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Mariel Zagunis, who hails from Beaverton, Ore. and is the daughter of two Olympic rowers, is the most decorated fencer in U.S. fencing histoty.
In 2008, Zagunis was the first American to take gold in Beijing, her second career gold medal after the 2004 Olympic games in Athens.
Prior to attending UP, Zagunis helped Notre Dame secure the 2005 NCAA team title in women's sabre, set a school record in sabre with a win percentage of .962, and was named Notre Dame Athlete of the Decade by blueandgold.com.
Recently, Zagunis took first in the 2009 Fencing World Championships in Turkey, becoming the first American fencer to do so.
Despite a hectic schedule due to international competition and classes, Zagunis was able to answer a few questions via e-mail.
Since both of your parents are former Olympic athletes, was there a lot of pressure to play sports when you were young?
I think the fact that both of my parents were Olympians simply made our family a very active one. I never felt pressure to play sports, but I can remember being signed up for a soccer team as young as four. I always enjoyed playing different sports though and never felt like it was forced. I do remember my parents trying to get my brothers and I to try rowing on the rowing machine one day, and I did not have fun with that at all. They really gave us a lot of freedom to participate in whatever we wanted to, athletics or otherwise. And I think that might be why we all ended up in such a random sport like fencing.
What made you go back to school after Beijing? And why did you decide to go to UP instead of back to Notre Dame?
Although fencing has been the main priority for me for a long time, education has also been very important. It was an extremely hard decision for me to leave school in the first place in order to train for Beijing, but deep down I knew it was what I had to do in order to have a chance at winning another gold medal. After Beijing, my life was a whirlwind when it came to post-Olympic events and appearances and before I knew it the 2009 season had started. Although I am still fencing and training full time, it's important to me that I eventually get my college degree. UP is a good fit for me right now because it allows me to stay in Portland and train while at the same time gain credits towards my Notre Dame degree.
What was it like to get on the Olympic team by a withdrawal and then go on to win the gold?
Athens was such a surreal experience for me. Even though the fact that I made the team was a surprise to most people, it wasn't a surprise to me. I had barely missed making the team initially, so when I got the second chance to compete in Athens, I was ready to show the world that I was meant to be there all along. At the same time, I wasn't dealing with expectations from anyone but myself so the absence of that type of pressure made it easier for me to just go and do my thing. Obviously I went hoping to win the gold, and when it actually happened it was one of the greatest feelings in the world. I was able to prove myself and make my coach, family and country proud.
How do you get focused for a match? Do you still get nervous? What keeps you relaxed?
At this point in my career, you know what to expect at a competition. Some competitions are bigger and more important, like World Championships or the Olympic Games, but you try to treat them all the same. I still get nervous before big matches, but over time I have learned to calm and control my nerves, and usually use this nervousness to my advantage.
How did you get in to fencing, and do you still play any other sports?
I started fencing when I was 10 years old, only because my older brother was taking some classes. If my brother didn't want to fight with swords when he was younger, I don't think I ever would have thought about trying fencing so I'm glad he did. When I have some free time, I like to take tennis lessons and play soccer.
How does all the traveling you do affect your relationships with family members and your academic career?
I don't feel that my training and traveling really affects my relationships with my family and friends. I am extremely close with my family and best friends. Everyone around me supports me 100 percent and I couldn't be more thankful for their support because it has helped to get me where I am today. As far as school goes, I have also been lucky to have professors who understand and support the unique position I am in. But it is definitely hard to keep up in school just because I miss so many classes for competitions. Not to mention the fact that I have have to take time completely off to train for the most important tournaments like the Olympics. But I love what I do and its such a special opportunity to do what I am doing so I don't regret any of it.
You were studying anthropology at Notre Dame, what are you studying at UP and why?
I am only taking a few credit hours at UP right now. The classes are sociology and theology and they are very interesting. Technically my major is still anthropology back at Notre Dame.
Since you have already secured two gold medals, what is your motivation to participate in the 2012 Olympics?
I still love training and competing in fencing, and I am going to continue to do so for as long as I can and as long as I keep having fun. My motivation right now is to win a third consecutive gold medal because it would be awesome! And, if I do I will continue to grow a legacy in U.S. and world fencing history to be left behind that can hopefully motivate future fencers to work hard for their goals.
What do you plan to do after you are done being awesome at fencing?
I get asked and ask myself this question often. It is difficult to think that far ahead because right now my main focus is the next Olympics, and then who knows. There are a few fields I find interesting such as environmental issues, sports marketing, broadcasting, non for profit organizations, etc. So, there are a lot of things I would love to be involved in. Once I am done with fencing I hope to explore all types of options.
