Elizabeth Tartakovsky, a former ballet dancer turned fencer, is set to represent Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Paris after winning the 2022 NCAA Women’s Sabre national championship. She attributes her success to her upbringing and hard work instilled in her by her immigrant parents from Ukraine. As she embarks on her Olympic journey, Tartakovsky’s goal is not just limited to winning a gold medal but also to celebrate the experience and all the barriers she has overcome to reach this point.
Tartakovsky’s journey in fencing started when she saw her great uncle, Olympic fencing coach Yury Gelman, coaching the men’s Sabre team to a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Captivated by the sport, she decided to give it a try along with her sister at a local club in New Jersey. Despite being a latecomer to the sport, Tartakovsky quickly found success and realized her potential in fencing. She credits her parents for instilling a strong work ethic in her and providing her with the opportunity to pursue her athletic career at a high level.
For Tartakovsky, representing Team USA at the Olympics is a special opportunity to give back to the country that has given her and her family so many opportunities. She is excited to meet and compete alongside athletes from diverse backgrounds and experiences, emphasizing the significance of representing a country that values inclusion and success. As she prepares to compete in the women’s Sabre event at the Games, Tartakovsky is focused not just on winning but on enjoying the entire Olympic experience and appreciating how far she has come in her journey.
As Tartakovsky approaches her 24th birthday, she reflects on the unique path that led her to fencing and the upcoming Olympic debut. Despite starting out in ballet and trying her hand at various other sports, she found her true passion in fencing due to its stimulating nature and competitive challenges. While only one athlete can win a gold medal, Tartakovsky aims to make her Olympic experience a celebratory one, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that have brought her to this point. Her ultimate goal is to soak in the entire experience and be grateful for her achievements.
With the support of her family, coaches, and teammates, Tartakovsky has honed her skills and competed at the highest levels in fencing. Her dedication to the sport and her determination to succeed have propelled her to the national championship and a spot on the Olympic team. As she prepares to compete against the world’s best fencers in Paris, Tartakovsky remains focused on staying true to herself, enjoying the journey, and representing Team USA with pride. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and passion in achieving one’s dreams, and she is poised to make a lasting impression on the Olympic stage.
