In 1986, 46 and out-of-shape, I took up fencing, a sport that had intrigued me in college. It has been called "Physical Chess"; I disagree. It is more like physical poker, in that one must disguise one's intentions for maximum effectiveness. It resembles boxing, but without the pain, or tennis, but without having to chase loose balls.

Of course, my opponents needn't do that; they need merely attack and score. Nobody said I was a good fencer.

Nevertheless, until I abandoned it in 1995 after my sciatica told me to, I had what I considered a successful career as a recreational fencer. My weapon was épée.

1989: I competed in the World Masters Games in Århus, Denmark (any excuse for a trip to a favorite country.) The games were for those over 45. I finished 42nd out of 45 finishers (three more elected not to fence the "consolation" round, played for those eliminated in the first two rounds.) I had the distinction of being shut out 5-0 by Peter Bakonyi, a three-time (as I recall) Olympic medalist from Hungary, now from Vancouver. Beat by the best! And I scored three hits in losing to Malcolm Fare, an established British fencer. My sole win was a 5-4 over one Kaiserauer, from Germany, whose mask should have had a little spike on top of it.

(I note that Peter Bakonyi won the 2000 World Veteran's gold medal in sabre. Good for him!)

Below is a photo of the finalists. The winner was Rolf Edling, a former world champion, so you can see the level of competition was high.

1990: Bay State Games: I competed in the Masters division ("Old Farts Open", as it is unofficially called) and took the silver medal. This was the high point of my career. There was a three-way tie for first place (Craig Gray, Bill Hall, and myself) which we resolved, in the interests of time and fatigue, by fencing to one touch, or first blood, if you like. I got Bill but Craig got us both. I have a photo, naturally!

1992: New England Division, Masters Epee Open (another "OFO"), bronze medal. Tell you the truth, I can't recall a thing about this event, except that it was at the Boston Fencing Club.