Which is more difficult-- being the father of a fencer or coaching him?

Austrian fencing coach Walter Marik, who is here participating in the 22nd World University Games, may have the answer.

"Actually, I like being both," he said in an interview. "I'm happy to be here with my son."

And with good results, too, as he guided his son Christoph Marik to a bronze medal in the men's epee individual competition on Tuesday.

"Everybody expected him to win a gold medal, but I am okay withthe result," Walter said. "He is my only son, and I am always proud of him."

Christoph used to be a decathlete, but he made the switch to fencing in 1997.

"I like fencing and wanted to test my ability. I began to learnfencing during my childhood from my father who was a fencer as well," he said.

The next goal for the father and son team is to win a gold medal at next year's Olympic Games in Athens.