Aanchal Varshney
Jackie Dubrovich, 30, celebrated an incredible achievement on August 1, 2024, by winning a gold medal in women’s foil fencing at the Paris Olympics. This historic win not only marked a significant personal milestone but also a groundbreaking achievement for Team USA. Sharing this moment with her fiancé and coach, Brian Kaneshige, added an extra layer of meaning. “He’s the only one that knows, you know, the journey that I’ve been on and has been there alongside with me,” Dubrovich said. “It’s incredibly special and I know it’s something that we’re going to tell our kids and our grandkids one day.”
From Olympic Glory to Wedding Bells
Dubrovich and Kaneshige have been engaged since 2019, a period that has seen her dedicate herself wholly to her Olympic aspirations. Now, with her dream fulfilled and retirement on the horizon, Dubrovich is eager to shift her focus to her personal life, particularly to her long-awaited wedding. “That is the number one priority as soon as I touch down back at home,” she shared. Laughing, she added, “We’ve been engaged for far too long. So it’s time.”
Their engagement has been a journey in itself, with Kaneshige supporting Dubrovich every step of the way, both as her coach and partner. His understanding of the sport and the demands of high-level competition have made him an indispensable part of her career and life.
Team USA’s Historic Victory
The U.S. women’s foil fencing team, which includes Lee Kiefer, Lauren Scruggs, and Maia Weintraub, triumphed over Italy with a score of 45-39 at the Grand Palais in Paris. This victory was monumental, as it marked the first time the U.S. women have won a medal in this event in 16 years, and it was the first-ever team gold for women’s foil fencing in U.S. history.
The match was intense, with each fencer contributing crucial points to secure the win. Dubrovich’s exceptional performance was pivotal in clinching the gold, showcasing her skill, determination, and strategic prowess. The team’s victory is a testament to their hard work, unity, and the guidance of their coaches, including Kaneshige.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Dubrovich hopes their success will draw more attention to fencing, a sport often overlooked outside the Olympic spotlight. “It’s a really beautiful sport and I feel like a lot of people’s first introduction is during the Olympics,” she explained. “And so we hope that, you know, additional coverage and all of this incredible news — USA Fencing is having such an incredible Olympics that it inspires younger kids and adults to take up fencing.”
She added, “I know it’s changed our lives for the better.” Dubrovich’s journey from a young fencer to an Olympic champion is a story of perseverance and passion, one that she hopes will inspire others to pursue their dreams, whether in sports or other fields.
The Road Ahead
With her Olympic career potentially drawing to a close, Dubrovich looks forward to new challenges and adventures. The upcoming wedding is just the beginning of a new chapter for her and Kaneshige. They plan to focus on their personal lives, travel, and perhaps even coach the next generation of fencers together.
Their story is a beautiful blend of professional and personal triumphs, showing how love and support can drive success. Dubrovich’s achievements on the Olympic stage are matched by her commitment to her relationship and future with Kaneshige.
Jackie Dubrovich’s journey to Olympic gold is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and the unwavering support of her fiancé and coach, Brian Kaneshige. As she transitions from the rigors of competitive fencing to the joy of planning her wedding, her story continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations in the sport. The historic victory in Paris not only highlights her individual accomplishments but also underscores the potential for greater recognition and participation in fencing.
As Dubrovich and Kaneshige embark on this new journey together, they embody the spirit of perseverance, love, and shared dreams. Their story is a reminder that with dedication and support, extraordinary achievements are possible both on and off the field.
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