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'Physical chess' | Olympic level fencing training found just outside of Charlotte

Coach Boris Khurgin's story started thousands of miles away. He stared fencing in the 1970s, and competed for Ukraine.

MONROE, N.C. — The 2024 Paris Olympics are highlighting classic sports like gymnastics, track and field, and swimming. But less discussed sports are featured as well.  

When it comes to fencing, Coach Boris Khurgin is an artist. 

"I can compare it to a work of sculptor," Khurgin said. "You shape a new fencer with your hands." 

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He coaches athletes at the Triple Threat Fencing Academy in Monroe, North Carolina. He said it was something he was born to do. 

His story started thousands of miles away. He stared fencing in the 1970s, and competed for Ukraine. 

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“I understand it would be something I’d be doing all my life," Khurgin said.  

Khurgin said he was coached by another member of the Triple Threat coaching staff: Oleskii Ivanov.

“I am national coach of Ukraine," Ivanov said. "And I performed for national coach of USA.” 

Khurgin was coaching in New York and was approached by the academy owners about the job in North Carolina. He then brought down Ivanov. The two are now the coaches for the area, growing the sport in the Carolinas.

“Small places have potential that nobody knows and nobody thinks about," Khurgin said. 

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He said unlike football or other well known sports in America, Fencing offers you a different set of skills. 

“It teaches you how to make a decision momentarily," Khurgin said. “Agility, speed, often called physical chess.” 

Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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