Meet Jeff Bukantz: Captain of the 2004 US Olympic Fencing Team   Jeff Bukantz was born in Forest Hills, NY, and grew up in a legendary fencing family. His father, Danny Bukantz, competed in four Olympic Games (1948, '52, '56, & '60), and won four U.S. National Individual Foil Championships during his storied fencing career. It was while watching Danny officiate the 1972 Munich Games that 15 year-old Jeff decided to follow in his father's footsteps - but making the Olympic team was easier said than done. Danny Bukantz had been a dominant, natural athlete, consistently finishing 1st or 2nd in the national rankings. Though skilled, son Jeff was known more for his relentless determination, hard work, and defensive style of play. Coaches described him as a classic over-achiever.   Through practice, persistence, and sheer chutzpah, Jeff eventually became a legitimate contender, generally ranking 5th or 6th in the country. 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.   Despite his success, Jeff was still a hopeful when it came to making the Olympic team. He got a taste of the Olympic limelight when he was selected as an alternate for the team in both 1984 and 1988. In 1984 he refereed at the Olympic games in Los Angeles, and in 1996 at the finals in Atlanta. 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 has wanted to share with his father for over 30 years.   In August 2004 Jeff and his team members traveled to Athens where they faced stiff competition from the powerhouse French, Italian, and Russian players. But by the end of the Olympics, two American fencers - Mariel Zagunis and Sada Jacobson - were able to claim gold and bronze medals, respectively, becoming the first American fencers to medal at the Olympics since 1984.     © 2004 Ictus Initiative, All rights reserved. This site designed and developed by Ictus Development