OLYMPIC SPORT PREVIEW: MEDAL OR NOT, HERE THEY COME ZIMMERMANN SISTERS OVERJOYED TO COMPETE ALONGSIDE EACH OTHER IN FENCING.

Byline: Rich Hammond  Staff Writer

Iris Zimmermann dreamed about the possibility for four years, the thought that she might one day walk into Sydney's Olympic Stadium, stride for stride next to her older sister, Felicia.

So whatever happens later this month, whether the U.S. women's foil team wins an unexpected fencing medal or not, the Zimmermann sisters will shed no tears of sadness or regret. Each one's dream will have already come true, simply because of the presence of the other.

``It is so awesome,'' 19-year-old Iris Zimmermann said. ``(Felicia) is my role model, sister, best friend in the world, confidant, psychologist and shopping partner. It is just so wonderful that she and I are able to share this experience together.

``Felicia is the closest thing to me on this earth, and it is so amazing that we are going to Sydney together. I can't ask for much more than that.''

Which is probably for the best, since America's chances of winning a medal in any of the eight fencing categories are slim, at best. No American has medaled in fencing since Peter Westbrook's sabre bronze in 1984, which broke a 24-year U.S. medal drought.

No American individual is ranked in the top five in the World Cup rankings, which means that the Zimmermann sisters and Ann Marsh, the three athletes who make up the women's foil team, have the best shot at a medal in Sydney. The team earned an Olympic berth by finishing seventh in the 1999 World Championships.

``We are really excited about our prospects as a team,'' Felicia Zimmermann said. ``We are a very dangerous team to many countries because of our mental toughness and physical strength. I don't think we need to win a medal to feel successful. I feel that as long as we prepare and do our thing, we will be ready for anyone and everyone.''

The team certainly doesn't lack for camaraderie, or experience. Marsh, 29, is one of Felicia Zimmermann's best friends. The two women were Olympic teammates four years ago in Atlanta and Marsh, who also works in a hospital emergency room in Buffalo, N.Y., also competed in the 1992 Games.

Felicia Zimmermann, 25, is a recent graduate of Stanford, where she won three NCAA Division I fencing championships. It is a legacy she now hands over to her sister. Iris has already reached the semifinals of the World Championships, a feat she accomplished in 1999, and is delaying the start of her sophomore year at Stanford because of the Olympics.

``Honestly, I have to say there are no words to describe what I feel about representing my country at the Olympic Games,'' Iris Zimmerman said. ``I am so overwhelmed when I take time to step back and check out my accomplishments that I just break down in tears.''

The two sisters, six years apart, grew up in Rochester, N.Y., where they still train, and have become better friends over the past few years. The Olympic experience is special enough, but the joy of being accompanied by a sibling is unmatched, according to the sisters.

``We always knew that being on the Olympic team together was in the future for us,'' Iris Zimmerman said. ``My sister and I have gotten closer over the years since I have been getting older and experiencing more of the things she has experienced.''

And now comes the ultimate in shared experiences, medal or not.

``I love having my sister with me at this Olympics,'' Felicia Zimmermann said. ``She brings so much to the team and we are a package when it comes to fencing. We work well together, pushing each other and supporting each other. It is really special to be with her.'' FENCING

Competition dates: Sept. 16-24

Events: Men, individual and team epee, foil and sabre; Women, individual and team foil and epee.

History: Fencing is one of four sports (gymnastics, swimming and track and field) to be conducted in every Summer Games.

Favorites: France won gold medals in five of the 10 events at the 1999 World Championships, and Stanislav Pozdniakov of Russia attempts to defend his 1996 gold medal in men's sabre.

How U.S. will fare: Only three of the eight members of the U.S. Olympic team have previous Olympic experience, and none of the individuals are ranked in the top 10 in the World Cup rankings. The women's foil team of Ann Marsh and Felicia and Iris Zimmermann finished seventh in the 1999 World Championships, but any kind of medal would be an upset.

Did you know: America's only gold medal in fencing was won in 1904 by Albertson Van Zo Post.

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Box: Fencing (see text)