HistoryPhotos

"A woman always labors under a disadvantage in any athletic tournament. Being a woman, she has to do twice the work any ordinary man would have to do to prove her ability.

In my case, the audiences always seemed to take it for granted that there was a certain amount of gallantry on the part of the man fencing against me, simply because he was not fencing with one of his own sex. If any point was in doubt and was finally allowed to me, the spectators were sure to say; ‘Oh, he’s gallant, and has allowed her that point.’

That was why I always put forward my utmost efforts to beat an opponent so hard, fast, and decisively that there could be no possible doubt as to my superiority. Some of the scars I carry on my face, sword arm, and body show conclusively how much chivalric consideration was shown me because I was a woman."