Wang’s recent efforts should boost his salary quite a bit. As athletes on the national team, they work for the government. Their pay varies according to their results. I asked them if they had ever considered another career, or perhaps moving to another country to live and work, as is the custom among fencers and coaches from many Eastern European nations. They immediately shook their heads no once Ms. Zhang translated the question to them. “If I was not a fencer, I would probably be a high school teacher,” said Zhou, “but I would never leave China. I love my life here.” Wang added, “I have never given thought to leaving China. It is much easier to live here now because the government has provided a lot of money for the top athletes. Winning the Olympic bid for 2008 has helped tremendously.”

Obviously, communication is a major issue between the Chinese and Maestro Bauer, whose native language is French. That makes Interpreter Zhang’s job extremely demanding. She travels with them everywhere, translating for Bauer during lessons, team meetings and at meals. “Mr. Bauer is a very strict coach,” said Ms. Zhang, “and at the beginning, it was very difficult to get everyone on the same page. Now, it is much easier. The fencers understand Bauer for the most part. His body language and hand signals are easy for them to understand. I asked Ms. Zhang how it felt to be the only woman traveling with such a large group. “I lived in France for three years by myself,” replied Zhang. “I had to learn the language alone. After that experience, this experience is much easier. The boys are very nice and respectful. Everyone works together and gets along well.”

Meanwhile, Coach Zhang, who has been coaching sabre in China for 20 years, is very receptive to Bauer’s new style and does not have a problem with stepping to the side and allowing Bauer to take charge. “Our dream is winning the Olympic Games in Beijing. We want to make that dream a reality. Having Mr. Bauer with us makes that dream real for all of us.”