mariel_zagunisApril 15 - Olympic champion Mariel Zagunis will take on a new challenge on Sunday (April 17) when she participates in a wheelchair fencing exhibition bout at the USA Fencing National Division I and Wheelchair Fencing Championships in Portland, Oregon.


Zagunis will fence 2010 wheelchair world Team member Ryan Estep in the bout at 10.30am at the Oregon Convention.

"During the month of April I am donating my proceeds from sales of Leon Paul's Zagunis Pro Sabre Blade to help support the US Paralympic Fencing Team," said Zagunis, who has won gold at the highest levels, earning two Olympic titles and four World Championships.

"I figured that participating in a wheelchair fencing demonstration at the venue would be a great way to bring awareness to our fundraising efforts."

The bout will be Zagunis's first opportunity to fence from a wheelchair.

"I have never tried wheelchair fencing but I have heard that it is very difficult. You must use a lot more of your core muscles than usual so hopefully I am in good enough shape to score at least a few touches on Ryan," Zagunis said.

During the exhibition, fans will have the opportunity to learn about the wheelchair fencing as well as win Nike Fencing prizes that Zagunis will be giving away.

"I hope people who watch the exhibition will be able to come away with a better understanding about wheelchair fencing, how these athletes compete and also that it can be very exciting to watch," said Zagunis.