The City of Roses has a fresh face heading to the City of Light this summer. Eighteen-year-old fencer and future University of Notre Dame student, Magda Skarbonkiewicz, is all set to make her Olympic debut, slicing through the competition as a member of Team USA's Women’s Saber squad in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

KATU reports that the Portland native's rigorous training regimen has prepared her well for the nerve-wracking competitive atmosphere she'll soon face. "I feel like this season has trained me a lot for hopefully the stress I’m going to have in a couple months," Skarbonkiewicz stated, undaunted by the pressure cooker that is international sports. With an eye on both the blade and the prize, she remains a cool customer ahead of one of the hottest athletic showcases on the planet.

Not only is Skarbonkiewicz focused on the technical aspect of her sport, but she's also looking to soak up every moment of her journey to and from Paris. KVAL shared her forward-looking mindset, with Skarbonkiewicz stating, "I just really want to go and enjoy the moments of the journey." A balance of fierce dedication and mindful presence seems to be the young athlete's game plan.

Despite the inevitable jitters that come with competing on such a grand stage, Skarbonkiewicz appears to take it all in stride. NBC16 echoed her sentiments, underscoring how the usual stresses of training are par for the course for an athlete of Skarbonkiewicz's caliber. It's clear even from off the piste, she's parrying obstacles with anticipation rather than anxiety.

As the Olympic torch starts its journey toward the Parisian skyline, Skarbonkiewicz is on her path to potentially etch her name in the annals of Olympic history. This Rose City fencer seems thorny on the outside but is surely harboring the grace required to both battle and revel in the Olympics, a dream of athletes across the globe.