Closing The Distance is a memoir that reveals the trials and tribulations Jeff Bukantz encountered while following in his father's legendary footsteps. Throughout the book, the author provides insight about the highs and lows of competing in the Olympics, including inside stories about the 2004 Athens Olympic Games where he led the American Fencing Team to its first gold medal in 100 years. Besides the unique experiences of the author, the memoir takes a heart-warming look at the powerful force of family and the competitive human spirit.
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*The author provides commentary about the Olympics and other athletic events in his regular column, newsletter, and speaking appearances; his motivational presentations are sought after by businesses, groups, and teams around the world *The author has been on numerous radio shows across the country: -SportsDrive, KNFT 950 AM, Silver City, New Mexico, August 25, 2005 -The Morning Zone, KGAB, Clear Channel Radio, Cheyenne, Wyoming, September 19, 2005 -Morning News, 1190 AM, Fort Wayne, Indiana, June 28, 2005 -Midday News at Noon, KOMY 1340 AM, Santa Cruz, California, July 1, 2005 -Focus, KOTA 1380 AM, Rapid City, South Dakota, July 4, 2005 -The Greaseman Show, WGOP, 700AM -The Pete Braley Show, WBSM 1420AM -The Bakersfield Morning News, KGET 970AM -Front Page on the Air, WRUF 850AM -The Blute & Scotto Show, WRKO 680AM -Come Heller High Water, WFNT 1470AM -Talk to America on Voice of America Radio Network -Albrecht in the AM, WOC 1420AM -Financially Speaking, WBNW 1120AM Print media appearances include: -Newsday, June 6, 2005 "It's how you win or lose" -The Boston Globe, August 18, 2004 "Striking Gold- Historic Fencing Win for Zagumis; Bronze to Jacobson" -The New York Times, August 18, 2004 "Who's Behind the Gold Medalist's Mask? Gosh, An American!" -Men's Edge Magazine, September, 2004 "Shut Up and Listen! It May Be Your Ticket Up the Ladder" -MetroWest Jewish News, August 5, 2004 "Fencer, Sports Scribe to Enter Hall of Fame" -The Star Ledger Newark, August 5, 2004 "Freshman Class in a New Hall of Fame" -The Oregonian, April 19, 2004 "Portland Fencers Point To Athens" -New Jersey Jewish News, February 12, 2004 "In Father's Footsteps, Livingston Man Named Captain of Olympic Fencing Team"- SportsIllustrated.com, August 3, 2003 "US Fencers Forced To Improvise, Sing Anthem Themselves"
About the Author
Jeff Bukantz is the Captain of the United States Fencing Team and a former Olympic fencer and referee. Like his legendary father, Danny Bukantz, who competed in four Olympic Games, Jeff was an excellent fencer - generally ranking fifth or sixth in the country. In 1987, he competed at the Pan American Games, where he won a bronze medal for the U.S. Team.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
required reading at my fencing club,
By Screenwriter (Hon, HI United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Closing the Distance: Chasing a Father's Olympic Fencing Legacy (Paperback)
I especially enjoyed this book because Jeff Bukantz is my age, and I have met, and in some cases fenced, almost everyone mentioned in the book, including the author himself.as a member of the Portland, Oregon, club Salle Auriol, I viewed Jeff's club, the New York Fencers Club, the same way a Los Angeles Laker would view the Boston Celtics. until one of my former teammates writes his memoirs, "Closing the Distance" will be the best description of what it was like for me as a competitive fencer in the 80s. I'm back home in Hawaii now but in my heart I will always be a member of Salle Auriol (now the Northwest Fencing Center). because of this, Jeff and his New York Fencers Club will always be my natural enemies, but only in a sports/nostalgic way. not true enemies. and anyway, we're all retired now. Jeff's book is required reading at my current club, Salle Honolulu, and whether you "hate" the New York Fencers Club or not, it should be required reading at every fencing club.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not even close...,
By
This review is from: Closing the Distance: Chasing a Father's Olympic Fencing Legacy (Paperback)
As a former fencer of 25 years ago and a recent return to competitive fencing, I came across Jeff Bukantz's book by accident. Flipping through the pages, I was intrigued by his father's accomplishments. When I noticed that he was a CCNY alumnus, I definitely was hooked - being one myself from a later generation.Mr. Bukantz's book for me is approached from two levels. First, his personal relations with his famous father and his attempt to deal with that give great insight into human nature. It transcends the world of fencing and applies to any profession. I would rate that part of this book 5 stars. The second level of the book deals with competitive fencing from the inside. This part is not very appealing and is worthy of only 1 star. My average rating therefore is 3. It seems that Mr. Bukantz decided to use this book to justify his bad behavior on the strip by attacking his opponents and naming names. In one instance, he cites how it is un-sportsman like to hit an opponent after "halt" is called in fencing. In this book however, he did exactly that in at least 3 instances where he denigrates his opponents and colleagues in a forum where the other person does not have a voice to respond. (in effect, he has committed the sin of attacking someone "after the halt".) I don't know Mr. Bukantz personally and I have not cross sword with him since I fenced epee and in an earlier time than his active fencing days. However, I do know some of the other people he writes about personally. I must cite at least in one instance that he attacked my friend and teammate of 30 years and it is without merit. I was a team member at CCNY Varsity fencing and I can attest to the fact that his innuendo regarding my friend is false. He owes my friend Arnold Messing a public apology and the others as well. It is also interesting as a reader the information that the author chooses to include to the minute detail and other information that is left out completely. It seems to be a case of selective memory recall. The most destructive part of this book is that he presents a negative portrayal of competitive fencing to the outsider. Fencing is an honorable sport. In all my years of competitive fencing, I found it to be very satisfying. Most competitors are respectful of their opponents and never carry their competitiveness off the strip. If anything, Mr. Bukantz's experience is the exception rather than the rule. The title "Closing the Distance" is well chosen, but by what was written, he did not even come close to his father's sportsmanship.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun and entertaining,
This review is from: Closing the Distance: Chasing a Father's Olympic Fencing Legacy (Paperback)
As someone who didn't know a thing about fencing, I picked up this book on a whim and LOVED IT! Jeff's writing style is so fast-paced and entertaining that I finished the book in just a couple of days. Who knew fencing could be so interesting?! This memoir tracks Jeff's journey following in his father's rather large footsteps. (His father, Danny, was a 4-time Olympic fencer.) Closing the Distance charts Jeff's highs and lows and culminates in the 2004 Olympics where Jeff led his team to the first Olympic gold medal in fencing in over 100 years.But, this book isn't just about fencing. It's about the relationships between fathers and sons. Anyone who is looking to find a good book that a dad can share with his son should look no further!
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