Anne Cebula, a model from New York, is in Paris this summer to compete in the 2024 Olympics for fencing. She was inspired to try fencing at the age of 10 after watching a men’s team saber match at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Despite her parents initially shutting down the idea due to the cost, she eventually joined a free fencing program at her high school and fell in love with the sport. Her modeling career is intertwined with her fencing, as she was first scouted on the way to practice. She initially declined modeling offers after high school to pursue a degree at Barnard, but eventually signed with Elite post-graduation.
Cebula has been careful to create boundaries for herself with her multiple roles as a model and fencer. She distinguishes her identities based on the role she is playing at the moment, helping her maintain her sanity. While she enjoys having multiple identities, she acknowledges that it can sometimes be exhausting to switch between them. At her first Olympics, she defeated an Italian opponent in the first round of epee before being eliminated in the second round. She is looking forward to competing with Team USA in the team event and is excited to leave it all out on the strip before retiring from fencing after the Olympics.
Throughout her journey, Cebula has balanced her passion for fencing with her modeling career. She has found ways to compartmentalize her identities and give each role the attention it deserves. Her determination and hard work have led her to the Olympics, where she is excited to represent Team USA and compete for a medal in the team event. Despite the challenges of juggling different roles, Cebula is grateful for the opportunities she has had and the support of her family and coaches along the way.
Cebula’s Olympic experience includes behind-the-scenes moments in the Olympic Village and the rainy opening ceremony. She is embracing the opportunity to compete at the highest level in her sport and is focused on giving her best performance before retiring from fencing. Her passion for fencing shines through as she navigates the demands of both modeling and competing, showing dedication and perseverance in pursuing her dreams. As she prepares to take on the world stage at the Olympics, Cebula’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and hard work in achieving one’s goals.
