For Immediate Release Catherine Pappas Public Relations, The Ictus Initiative 617-717-8294 Catherine@IctusInitiative.com CAPTAIN OF US OLYMPIC FENCING TEAM UNVEILS SECRET TO HIS SUCCESS: HIS FATHER   LIVINGSTON, NJ. May 17, 2007-Just in time for Father's Day, Jeff Bukantz-Captain of the gold-medal winning US Olympic fencing team-reveals the secret to his Olympic success: following his father's influence, passion, and advice while doing it in his own unique way.   "I had my work cut out for me," says Bukantz whose describes his entrance into the elite fencing circle in his recently released his memoir Closing the Distance: Chasing a Father's Olympic Fencing Legacy (Acanthus Publishing) as anything but smooth. "Dad was a living legend, a lovable guy, a four-time Olympian, a four-time individual National Champion, a nine-time team National Champion, the highest rated international referee, and World Maccabiah Champion in 1950. I could barely win a high school bout."   Never the natural athlete his father was, Bukantz had to take a new approach to fencing excellence. "Practicing everyday wasn't enough. Getting in shape wasn't enough. Wanting it so badly it hurt wasn't enough," Jeff says. "I had to get my head into the game and discover confidence in myself. Just being Danny Bukantz's son was not going to guarantee me a spot at the Olympic team and it was only after years of failing that I finally learned how to succeed at my own pace with my own skills."   Ultimately, after years of practicing everyday and blending the advice of his father with his own strategies, Jeff eventually became a legitimate contender. He qualified for the 1981 World University Games Team and the 1983 and 1987 World Championship Teams. In 1987 he competed at the Pan American Games, where he won a bronze medal for the U.S. Team. He also won many titles back home, including eight U.S. National Foil Team Championships for the New York Fencers Club and a gold medal at the 1989 World Maccabiah Games. On December 26th 2003, Jeff received word that the U.S. Fencing Association had selected him to Captain the 2004 U.S. Olympic Fencing Team-an honor he had wanted to share with his father for over 30 years and a position that enabled Jeff to lead his team to the first US gold-medal in fencing in over 100 years.   "It's been a whirlwind," Jeff said when asked about his accomplishments. "However, all of my achievements, rankings, and medals pale in comparison to what I've learned along the way. I hope that Closing the Distance will help the readers understand that winning isn't everything. Sometimes, after working so hard in your endeavors, you need to sit back and enjoy the ride and enjoy the people who traveled with you along the way. Otherwise, your life may pass you by."   For more information, please visit Jeff's website at www.JeffBukantz.com. To schedule an interview or to request a review copy, please contact Catherine Pappas at 617-717-8294 or Catherine@IctusInitiative.com.   ###