(GANNETT) -- A fencing superstar hopes to make Olympic history this summer in London.

At her family home outside Portland Oregon, Mariel Zagunis has spent the past few years sharpening her culinary skills.

But all her talent with a knife is surpassed by her skill with a saber.

Mariel has risen to become the world best saber fencer.

She starts each day with a low impact session before heading to another gym for an intense, cross-training workout.

She has quick and explosive footwork.

Mariel was added to the U.S. team at the last minute and shocked the world at the Olympics in Athens becoming the first American fencer in 100 years to win Olympic gold.  Four years later, she did it again in Beijing.

Now, she is hoping to lunge into fencing history by getting a third consecutive gold medal.

GANNETT