U.S. Women's Saber Fencers Lose Olympic Bouts Overshadowed by a Match-Fixing Investigation
PARIS (AP) — The U.S. women's saber fencing team faced a challenging start at the Paris Olympics, with all three competitors losing their opening bouts amid the unsettling backdrop of an ongoing match-fixing investigation. The atmosphere was tense as Tatiana Nazlymov, Magda Skarbonkiewicz, and Elizabeth Tartakovsky entered the arena, each carrying the weight of scrutiny and emotional strain.
Investigation Context
Tatiana Nazlymov's participation in the Olympics came just a month after she testified in a grueling 13-hour arbitration hearing. This hearing was initiated by two fellow American fencers, including Maia Chamberlain, the team's Olympic alternate, who contested Nazlymov's place on the roster. The investigation into potential match-fixing has loomed large over the team, raising questions about the integrity of the qualifying process.
Opening Bouts
In the round of 32, all three fencers faced tough opponents and were eliminated from individual competition. Nazlymov lost a narrow match against South Korea's Choi Sebin, finishing 15-14. Skarbonkiewicz and Tartakovsky also fell short, marking a disappointing start for the U.S. team. They will have another opportunity to compete in the team event scheduled for Saturday.
Emotional Strain
USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews acknowledged the "emotional strain" the investigation has placed on the athletes. However, it remains unclear whether this strain directly affected their performances during the bouts. Nazlymov, when approached for comments after her match, chose to remain silent, reflecting the pressure surrounding the team.
Arbitration and Complaints
The arbitration process, known as Section 9, saw complaints filed against Nazlymov and men's saber fencer Mitchell Saron regarding their inclusion in the Olympic team. These complaints were dismissed in lengthy hearings last month, allowing both fencers to compete in Paris. Importantly, there is no indication that either Nazlymov or Saron engaged in any misconduct.
USA Fencing's Response
In a text message to the AP, Andrews expressed respect for the fencers who participated in the arbitration process and acknowledged the emotional toll it takes on all involved. He emphasized that while the investigation continues, the focus now shifts to ensuring a healthy competitive environment in Paris.
Ongoing Investigation
Nazlymov's qualification for the Olympics is intertwined with the broader investigation into saber bouts by USA Fencing. In April, referees Jacobo Morales and Brandon Romo were suspended for allegedly conferring during a match that Nazlymov won at a qualifying event in San Jose, CA. An open letter from select members of the U.S. team criticized the suspensions as inadequate and called for a redistribution of Olympic qualification points.
Despite the turmoil, USA Fencing has maintained that there is no evidence of bout manipulation by its fencers, and the arbitration ruling in Nazlymov's case supported this stance. The ruling stated that no evidence was presented to suggest her involvement in any misconduct.
Conclusion
The investigation has cast a shadow over what could have been a triumphant moment for U.S. fencing, despite the team's struggles. While Lee Kiefer and Lauren Scruggs achieved success in women's foil, winning gold and silver respectively, the saber team's challenges highlight the complexities and pressures athletes face in high-stakes competitions. As the Olympics continue, the focus remains on both the competition and the ongoing investigation, with hopes for clarity and resolution in the future.