As always, many friends, family members, and associates have helped make this book possible. Deepest thanks to them all:
Jochen Faerber, press chief, and Nathalie Rodriguez, administrative director, and the entire staff of the International Fencing Federation
The United States Fencing Association
My family: Amy, Alexander, and Tatyana Timacheff
Evan Ranes, for supporting my fencing photography at Duel in the Desert
Carl Borack, filmmaker and Olympic fencer, for his support and friendship
Cody Mattern, member of the U.S. Olympic Fencing Team
Kevin Mar and Josephine Rorberg: Business partners, fencers, and friends
My friends throughout the global fencing community, and especially those at Salle Auriol Seattle, Rain City Fencing, Northwest Fencing Center, and the Washington Fencing Academy
Cathy Zagunis and her daughter, Olympic Gold Medalist Mariel Zagunis, for their ongoing support of my work
David Fugate, literary agent for Waterside Productions
Cricket Krengel, Mike Roney, Gwenette Gaddis Goshert, Ron Rockwell, and Kim Heusel for their editorial input and guidance.
The many excellent photographers who contributed to this book, and Bob Ruddick, a passionate sports and photography enthusiast, for helping us find them.