Anne Cebula, a native New Yorker who has modeled for top fashion brands such as Khaite, Marc Jacobs, and Tory Burch, is in Paris this summer for a different reason than most models – to compete in the 2024 Olympics. Inspired to try fencing at the age of 10 after watching a men’s team saber match at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Cebula was captivated by the emotions and aesthetics of the sport. Despite her initial interest being shut down by her parents due to the expense, she eventually enrolled in a free fencing program at her public high school at the age of 15 and never looked back.
Cebula’s modeling career is intertwined with her fencing journey, as she was first scouted on her way to fencing practice. Although she received offers from modeling agencies after graduating high school, she chose to pursue a degree at Barnard first. However, she revisited these offers after COVID hit during her senior year and ultimately joined Elite Model Management, her top choice. Balancing both careers, Cebula has found it important to create boundaries and use different identities in different spaces to maintain her sanity.
Cebula had a memorable first Olympics experience, defeating her Italian opponent, Rossella Fiamingo, in the first round of epee at the Grand Palais before being eliminated in the second round. Despite this, she is excited to compete with Team USA in the upcoming events and is looking forward to leaving it all on the strip as she plans to retire after this competition. She is especially eager to try and medal in the team event, which she and her teammates have trained extensively for over the past few years.
In her journey leading up to the Olympics, Cebula shares her behind-the-scenes experience at the Olympic Village and the rainy opening ceremony with Vogue. She explains how she has tried to maintain her sanity by being distinct with her time and identity, switching between her roles as a fencer and a model depending on the situation. While she enjoys having multiple identities, she also acknowledges the challenges that come with juggling different responsibilities in such demanding fields.
As Cebula prepares to compete in the remainder of the Olympic events with Team USA, she reflects on the hard work she has put in over the years and is determined to make the most of her final competition before retiring. With a focus on showcasing her dedication and commitment to the sport, she is excited to represent her country on the world stage and hopes to achieve success with her team in the upcoming competitions. Through her passion for fencing and modeling, Cebula is leaving a lasting impact on both of her chosen fields and is determined to make the most of her Olympic experience.
