For the United States, Mariel Zagunis, one of the most decorated athletes in fencing, is likely to return for the Tokyo Games. Zagunis, who was selected as the United States flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics, has won two gold medals in individual sabre and a pair of additional bronze medals for team sabre. In 2004, she became the first American in 100 years to win an Olympic gold medal in fencing.

On the men's side, Alexander Massialas, who won a silver medal in Rio for men's individual foil, has also qualified to compete in Tokyo. Daryl Homer, who won silver in individual sabre in 2016, will be returning as well.

One of the key absences for the United States in Tokyo will be Ibtihaj Muhammad -- the fourth member of the bronze-winning women's team sabre quartet. As a Muslim-American woman, the 35-year-old was a symbol of diversity in sports at the Rio Games when she became the first American woman to wear a hijab during Olympic competition.

Nick Itkin is one of the rising stars in fencing for the United States, and he is expected to make his Olympic debut in Tokyo this summer. The two-time NCAA champion is just 21 years old and figures to play a key role for the U.S. in men's team foil. He is currently one of the top ranked men's fencers in the world.