I fenced epee in university. One match I was fencing to five points, and went down 4-0 vs. someone I really should have beaten. This is particularly ugly in epee, because if you strike simultaneously, you both get a point. So all he has to do is hit me at the same time on one of the next four points to win. As a fencer, this isn't a hard proposition.

But I said something along the lines of, "Fuck it, I'm not losing here" and focused more intensely than maybe I ever have. It's like I wasn't even looking at my opponent any more, the world just kind of blurred and I just kind of acted.

I got the next touch. 4-1... and I knew I had it. I put everything into retreating and defense, never counterattacked into an attack (too high risk of both connecting), bit and nibbled down to 4-4.

At 4-4 tied, I could feel the fear in the air. He was frustrated, angry, violent - this shouldn't be happening to me was his vibe. I'd been defensive for the last four points because I couldn't afford for us to both hit - now I could, and I fleshed (charged) straight at him. He was advancing as I charged, I raised my epee, locked the blade against his, scored the touch, and he actually got knocked entirely over onto the ground. I jumped in the air, screaming and waving my arms and weapon. One of the biggest rushes of my life, and a permanent lesson.