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USA Fencing Summer Nationals in Phoenix showcased a sport for all ages

In many competitive sports, there comes a point where an athlete may be forced to retire, whether it’s because of physical health or moving beyond what is known as “peak age.” But fencing is one sport where age has no limits.

Last week, the Phoenix Convention Center held the USA Fencing Summer Nationals.

About 5,000 competitors slashed and stabbed at their opponents, their faces blocked by a meshed mask, and bodies protected by padded white armor.  

One family from Virginia had a 10-year-old daughter competing, with a 7-year-old son ready for next season. They both started fencing last year, after switching over from soccer.

Their parents, Dr. Chi-Chi Olele and her husband, Dr. Ifeanyi Olele, run a mental-health clinic. Their patients include athletes of all ages.

Chi-Chi says it can be hard for athletes forced into retirement to adjust.

“You’ve been doing something since you were 6 years old, and now you're like, what else are you going to do with your time since this has been something that has taken up pretty much 100% of your life," Chi-Chi said. 

That’s why Chi-Chi is a fan of how age inclusive fencing is.

“It’s a sport that doesn’t expire regardless of how old you are. There are veterans around here fencing and they’re like 70 years old, 80 years old," Chi-Chi said. 

The oldest fencer at this year’s Summer Nationals was 85.

Jill Ryan joined KJZZ in 2020 as a morning reporter, and she is currently a field correspondent and Morning Edition producer.