She’s easy-going, friendly, funny, generous, and beautiful. She’s a wife and soon-to-be mom, and she’s an aspiring home cook who even showcased her talents on an episode of Chopped last year. And on top of those understated adjectives and notable accomplishments, she’s a gold medal Olympian in the sport of fencing.
Talk about burying the lead, huh?
Mariel started fencing when she was 8, picking up the sport after watching her older brother taking lessons. And with dedication, sacrifice, and an excessive amount of grit, Mariel catapulted her way to the top of the sport, taking gold in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, as well as competing in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. And 24-plus years later, she's still at it, honing her skills and always training for her next victory, proving there is no finish line when your passion becomes your profession.
"I put a lot of time and effort into fencing--I mean, obviously--it’s my job,” Mariel said. “I’m so passionate about it. I know if I continue to learn and apply the techniques and skills I’m taught, I can hopefully continue winning and being successful.”
Her list of accomplishments is endless. Equally impressive is how her character always seems to shine just as bright as her competitiveness. Just one example of this was Mariel's honor of carrying the United States flag at the 2012 Olympics Parade of Nations during the opening ceremonies.
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Photo credit: Serge Timacheff
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Much like her zest for the sport of fencing, Mariel finds great joy in the kitchen, whipping up simple to elaborate dishes, surprising friends with meals or Chopped-inspired dinners. Her interest in cooking, however, lagged behind her involvement with fencing.
“I started fencing when I was 8, but I didn’t make my first meal until I was a teenager,” she said. “I will never forget it either. I tried to make lasagna for my family, and it took about four hours.”
Over time, her efficiency in the culinary arena improved. Once she stared living on her own, Mariel began throwing together quick and healthy meals and finding release in the act of baking. The kitchen became an outlet for the athlete, and like many competitive-minded individuals, the challenge of daunting recipes in cookbooks and magazines excited Mariel.
Though not everyone can be an Olympian like Mariel, anyone can pursue a hobby or interest. It's never too late (rumor has it Julia Child didn't start cooking till age 37!), and like anything new or different, expertise doesn't happen overnight. It just takes a strong desire, time, and patience to perfect the craft.
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Photo credit: Serge Timacheff
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Whether it’s a sword or a spatula, Mariel is always a student. And though she’s setting down her fencing weapon (it’s called a sabre, by the way) for a short spell to welcome her baby girl, it’s certainly not going to collect any dust. Mariel hopes to pick back up right where she left off and begin training for the numerous bouts and world championships on the road to the 2020 Olympics. And along the way, you can bet she will be competing in the kitchen, too.
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IN HER WORDS
Advice for dream seekers:
"First, and very importantly, set the bar high for yourself. Even if your goal seems really crazy and difficult to reach, you shouldn't put limits on what you want to achieve or where you want to go. Even if your goals seems lofty at first, over time they will become within reach if you're working towards them every single day. Second, realize and accept that there will always be ups and downs as you work towards your goal(s). If you continue to push through the tough times and learn from mistakes, it will only make you stronger and closer to your achievement. Always keep in mind what you are working towards and that remind yourself that it's worth the sacrifices you're making! Don't lose sight of your priorities, and make sure your actions line up with your words (declared goals). Be honest with yourself and patient with the journey."
Other females who inspire you:
"I love meeting other strong female athletes or accomplished, successful women. There's no one right path to reach success and we all have our different challenges and struggles. I enjoy hearing about and being inspired by the different journeys!"
Favorite kitchen utensil/appliance:
"That's a tough one! For cooking it's probably my Le Creuset dutch oven and for baking my Kitchen Aid stand mixer. (Do those count as utensils!?) More utensil-like I would have to say my Wustoff kitchen knives. Every cook, regardless of skill level, needs a high quality, sharp knife to work with--it makes all the difference."
Favorite style of cooking:
"Style like genre? Can't choose just one! Style like in the kitchen style? Probably multi-tasking with many dishes at once, ad-libbing, and using every bowl/spatula/pan/measuring cup/etc. as I go!"
"Can’t live without" ingredient:
“Salt!”