Science & Technology
Rochester native went 'kicking and screaming' into her sport, but became two-time Olympian
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Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, July 29th 2025 at 4:04 GMT by Democrat and Chronicle🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
After stepping away from her professional fencing career, two-time Olympian Felicia Zimmermann remains involved.
Rochester's Felicia Zimmerman Shines in Olympic Fencing Spotlight
PARIS — As the lights of the Grand Palais illuminated the fencing piste, Felicia Zimmerman, the unassuming athlete from Rochester, New York, stepped into the arena with the poise of a seasoned warrior. At 28 years old, Zimmerman has become a symbol of perseverance and skill in the world of Olympic fencing, representing the United States in the women's foil event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Though the Games are technically in 2024, Zimmerman's story feels timeless, a narrative of grit forged in the gyms and community centers of upstate New York, now playing out on the global stage.
Zimmerman's journey to the Olympics is one that resonates deeply with her hometown. Born and raised in Rochester, she first picked up a foil at the age of 10, introduced to the sport by her father, a former high school wrestler who saw fencing as a way to channel her boundless energy. "I was always the kid climbing trees and getting into scrapes," Zimmerman recalled in an exclusive interview before her departure to Paris. "Fencing gave me a way to focus that energy. It's like chess with swords — you have to think three moves ahead while moving at lightning speed."
Her early training took place at the Rochester Fencing Center, a modest facility tucked away in a suburban strip mall. Under the guidance of coach Elena Grishina, a Russian émigré who had competed in international circuits, Zimmerman honed her skills. Grishina remembers her young protégé as exceptionally dedicated. "Felicia had this fire," Grishina said. "She'd stay after practice, drilling footwork until her legs burned. In fencing, technique is everything, and she mastered it early."
By her teenage years, Zimmerman was dominating local and regional tournaments. She won the New York State Junior Championships three years in a row from 2011 to 2013, catching the eye of national scouts. A scholarship to Ohio State University followed, where she joined one of the premier collegiate fencing programs in the country. There, under the tutelage of head coach Vladimir Nazlymov, a three-time Olympic gold medalist from the Soviet Union, Zimmerman elevated her game. She became a two-time NCAA champion in women's foil, leading the Buckeyes to team titles in 2017 and 2018.
But the path to the Olympics was far from smooth. Zimmerman faced setbacks that tested her resolve. In 2019, a severe ankle injury during the Pan American Games sidelined her for months, forcing her to miss key qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (which were postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic). "That was my lowest point," she admitted. "I watched the Games from my couch, wondering if I'd ever get back on the piste. But it lit a fire in me. I rehabbed like my life depended on it."
Her comeback was nothing short of remarkable. Returning to competition in 2022, Zimmerman claimed gold at the Fencing World Cup in Turin, Italy, defeating top-ranked fencers from France and Italy. This victory propelled her into the upper echelons of the international rankings, securing her spot on the U.S. Olympic team. "Felicia's technique is impeccable," said U.S. Fencing Team captain Miles Chamley-Watson. "She has this explosive speed combined with tactical brilliance. In foil, where every touch counts, she's a nightmare for opponents."
Arriving in Paris, Zimmerman carried the hopes of Rochester on her shoulders. The city, known more for its optics industry and snowy winters than for producing Olympians, rallied behind her. Local businesses sponsored watch parties, and the Democrat and Chronicle featured her story on the front page multiple times. "It's surreal," Zimmerman said. "Growing up, I never imagined I'd be here. But representing Rochester means everything. It's a reminder that dreams don't have limits based on where you're from."
In the preliminary rounds, Zimmerman showcased her prowess. Facing off against Italy's Martina Favaretto in her opening bout, she executed a series of flawless attacks, winning 15-9. Her footwork, a blend of agility and precision, allowed her to control the distance, frustrating her opponent with feints and rapid lunges. "I felt the energy of the crowd," she described. "It's electric — the cheers, the tension. But I tuned it out and focused on the blade."
Advancing to the quarterfinals, Zimmerman met her match against South Korea's Lee Kiefer, the defending Olympic champion and a fellow American who trains alongside her. In a thrilling all-U.S. matchup, Zimmerman pushed Kiefer to the limit, losing narrowly 15-13. Though eliminated from individual medal contention, Zimmerman's performance earned praise from experts. "She fenced with heart," noted fencing analyst John Moreau. "Against someone like Kiefer, who's at the peak of her career, Felicia held her own. It's a sign of great things to come."
Undeterred, Zimmerman turned her attention to the team event, where the U.S. women's foil squad is a strong contender for gold. Teaming up with Kiefer, Lauren Scruggs, and Jackie Dubrovich, she helped propel the team through the early rounds. In the semifinals against China, Zimmerman's crucial touches in the anchor position secured a 45-39 victory, setting up a gold-medal bout against Italy. "Team fencing is where we shine," Zimmerman explained. "It's about synergy, trusting your teammates. We've trained for this moment."
Beyond the competition, Zimmerman's story highlights the broader appeal of fencing. Often seen as an elitist sport, it's gaining traction in diverse communities, thanks in part to athletes like her. She credits programs like the Peter Westbrook Foundation, which introduces fencing to underserved youth, for inspiring her. "Fencing isn't just for the privileged," she said. "It's accessible if we make it so. I've mentored kids back in Rochester, showing them that with hard work, anything's possible."
Zimmerman's Olympic experience has also been a personal milestone. Accompanied by her family — her parents, siblings, and fiancé, a software engineer from Syracuse — she's soaked in the atmosphere of the Athletes' Village. "Sharing meals with athletes from around the world, hearing their stories — it's humbling," she shared. "Fencing has given me a global family."
Looking ahead, Zimmerman has her sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Games, but she's also focused on giving back. Plans include opening a fencing academy in Rochester to nurture the next generation. "I want to inspire kids who look like me, from places like mine," she said. "Olympic glory is amazing, but legacy is forever."
As the Paris Olympics wind down, Felicia Zimmerman leaves with more than just memories. She departs as a beacon for Rochester, proving that from the shores of Lake Ontario to the grand halls of Paris, determination can forge champions. Her story is a testament to the power of sport, reminding us all that the sharpest blades are those tempered by adversity.
In the team final, the U.S. women faced a formidable Italian squad, led by Alice Volpi. The bout was a nail-biter, with touches exchanged in rapid succession. Zimmerman, fencing in the middle rotation, delivered key points, including a stunning riposte that tied the score at 30-30 midway through. Though the Americans ultimately took silver after a 45-42 loss, Zimmerman's contributions were pivotal. "Silver is bittersweet, but it's fuel for the future," she reflected post-match.
Experts predict a bright trajectory for Zimmerman. With her blend of athleticism and strategy, she's poised to dominate the sport in the coming years. "Felicia is the future of American fencing," said Nazlymov, her former coach. "She's got the talent, the drive, and now the Olympic experience."
Back home, Rochester celebrates. Murals of Zimmerman adorn downtown walls, and schools incorporate her story into curricula. "She's our hometown hero," said Mayor Malik Evans. "Felicia shows what Rochester grit looks like on the world stage."
Zimmerman's Olympic chapter may be closing, but her impact endures. In a sport of precision and poise, she's carved out a legacy of inspiration, one touch at a time. As she returns to New York, the echoes of Paris will propel her forward, a fencer forever changed, ready to fence for more than just medals — for the dreams of those who follow.
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