Jackie first started with dance and gymnastics, but quickly found out those weren't her sports. She had a cousin who fenced, so she gave it a try... 21 years later, she's at her second Olympics. A first generation American, Jersey girl, and World # 10 in Women's Foil (fencing), Jackie is committed to being a role model for the younger athletes on the team and all girls in sport.

She shares how her first Olympics (Tokyo) were disappointing because she lost her match 15-14; she couldn't lean on the fact that she didn't perform. She shares, I "fenced so well" and "I felt so free and then came short," so Jackie's journey to Paris has been about grounding herself re-finding her love of the sport.

She credits working with a sports psychologist with helping her regroup and mentally prepare for Paris. When we asked Jackie her favorite part of fencing, she gushes, "How creative it is...it's always changing. You may have a strategy going in, but you have to pivot in real time."

As Jackie looks to the future, she knows she wants to give back to the community, and is still determining the best way to do so. She wants to tell others to “To be ok being vulnerable. It’s ok to fail because it makes you a stronger athlete and person.”

-----

Episodes drop every Wednesday at 5am Eastern Standard Time through the Paralympics as well as every Monday through the Olympics.

----

Flame Bearers is the world's first media and production company specifically illuminating the unsung stories of resilient women Olympians & Paralympians. We tell stories via podcast, video, and live events and are working towards a world where people feel more represented, empowered, and enlightened about the power of community.

Learn more on our website: flamebearers.com

Watch & subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch a video version of this episode ► / @flamebearers

Follow us on social media for exclusive behind the scenes content:

Instagram: /flamebearers

Facebook: /flamebearerspodcast

Linkedin: /flame-bearers

Tiktok: /flame_bearers

X: /flame_bearers