The sport of fencing has always symbolized agility and intellect. When most people imagine fencing, they picture two masked duelists lunging and parrying in a battle of speed and precision. For centuries, though, that duelist was almost always assumed to be a man. Fencing’s long history is rooted in military training and aristocratic tradition, worlds that largely excluded women and girls.

Women broke into fencing in the early 20th century. They eventually carved out space on the Olympic stage to inspire generations to come. Today, women and girls are not only participating, but are empowered by fencing.