### Overview of Fencing as an Olympic Sport

Fencing, characterized by its blend of precision, agility, and tactical prowess, has been a part of the Olympic Games since the inaugural modern Games in 1896. The sport consists of three main weapons: the épée, the foil, and the sabre, each governed by its own set of rules and tactics. Due to its diverse nature and historical significance, fencing has retained a consistent presence in the Olympics, attracting athletes from a wide array of nations.

As an Olympic discipline, fencing not only showcases individual prowess but also reflects the larger geopolitical and cultural shifts through various national schools and styles that have evolved globally. Different nations have peaked in fencing prowess at different times, reflecting their particular focuses and investments in the sport.

### Answer A: George Calnan - United States

#### Early Life and Career
George Calnan was an influential American fencer in the early 20th century. Born in 1900, Calnan excelled in fencing at an early age and quickly rose through the ranks of American fencing. He was noted for his exceptional skill in using the épée and sabre, two of the three main fencing styles used in Olympic competition.

#### Olympic Achievements
George Calnan participated in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics and the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. In the 1928 Olympics, he competed in both the individual sabre and the team sabre events, demonstrating notable skill and determination. It was in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics that Calnan secured his place in history. He won bronze medals in both the individual sabre and team sabre events, marking him as one of the first U.S. fencers to accomplish such a feat. This achievement set a precedent and inspired a subsequent generation of fencers in the United States.

#### Legacy
Calnan's contributions to fencing extended beyond his Olympic successes. He was instrumental in promoting the sport across the U.S., participating in national competitions and fostering young talents until his untimely death in 1933. His legacy is commemorated by fencing enthusiasts in the U.S., and he remains a key figure in the historical records of American fencing.

### Answer B: Nam Hyun-hee - South Korea

#### Early Life and Career
Nam Hyun-hee was born in 1981 in South Korea and began her fencing career at a young age. Specializing in foil, Nam quickly distinguished herself as a formidable competitor in national and international circuits. Her quick reflexes, keen tactical mind, and disciplined approach allowed her to rise rapidly in the ranks of South Korean fencers.

#### Olympic Achievements
Nam Hyun-hee's Olympic journey is marked by notable achievements, particularly during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. After vigorous competitions and displaying high-level skills, Nam won a silver medal in the individual foil event, marking a significant milestone not only personally but also for South Korea in the realm of fencing. This victory secured her place as a leading figure in the sport within her country.

#### Legacy and Continued Impact
Following her Olympic success, Nam Hyun-hee continued to compete at the highest levels, contributing to furthering the profile of fencing in South Korea. She has participated in various World Championships and other international events, consistently performing well and often securing podium positions. Nam's impact on South Korean fencing is profound, serving as an inspiration for young fencers and helping to elevate the sport's status in a country traditionally dominated by other sports.

### Conclusion

While George Calnan and Nam Hyun-hee hail from vastly different backgrounds and competed in different eras, their contributions to the sport of fencing are monumental. Each left a lasting legacy in their respective countries, helping to shape the landscape of fencing both nationally and internationally. As second Olympic medalists from their countries, their stories underscore the global and timeless appeal of fencing—a sport of elegance, intellect, and intensity.