Elizabeth Tartakovsky, a former ballet dancer turned fencer, will be making her Olympic debut at the Summer Olympics in Paris, representing Team USA. The 2022 NCAA Women’s Sabre national champion has set her sights on winning a gold medal at the Games, but she also wants to focus on enjoying the journey and celebrating her achievements. Tartakovsky’s introduction to fencing came at a young age when she saw her great uncle, Olympic fencing coach Yury Gelman, coach the men’s Sabre team to a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics. This sparked her interest in the sport, leading her to success.
Tartakovsky’s parents, immigrants from Ukraine, sought a better future for their children in the United States and instilled values of hard work and determination in Tartakovsky. Representing Team USA at the Olympics holds special significance for her as she sees it as an opportunity to not only succeed in her athletic career, but also to honor her family and the country that provided them with opportunities. Tartakovsky is excited to meet other athletes on Team USA and sees the diversity of backgrounds and experiences as something that makes representing the country even more special.
Having started her athletic journey with ballet, Tartakovsky found that fencing was a more stimulating and engaging sport for her. Her parents allowed her and her sister to try fencing at a local club in New Jersey, a decision that ultimately led to Tartakovsky’s success in the sport. Despite her achievements in fencing, Tartakovsky wants her Olympic experience to be more than just about winning medals, she wants to celebrate the journey and the barriers she has overcome to reach this point. She plans to soak in the experience and be grateful for the opportunity.
With the Olympics set to begin on July 26, Tartakovsky, who will be turning 24 just before the Games, is focused on preparing for her competition in the women’s Sabre event. She recognizes that only one person can win a gold medal, but she wants to make the most of her Olympic experience regardless of the outcome. She sees the Games as a chance to not only compete at the highest level in her sport but also to connect with athletes from diverse backgrounds and share the experience of representing Team USA on a global stage. Tartakovsky hopes to make her family and her country proud with her performance at the Olympics.
Tartakovsky’s journey from ballet dancer to NCAA champion and now Olympian is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for fencing. Her unique start in the sport, inspired by her great uncle’s involvement in Olympic fencing, has shaped her career and led her to this moment. As she prepares to compete on the world stage, Tartakovsky remains humble and focused on enjoying the experience and celebrating her achievements. With the support of her family and the opportunity to represent Team USA, Tartakovsky is ready to make her mark at the Olympics and continue her success in the sport of fencing.
