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August 12, 2004 7:10 pm

Kellner never foiled by security

By Ann Green

Gannett News Service

ATHENS, Greece — Fencers carry weapons to compete in their sport, but Dan Kellner of Warren, N.J., said he has never had any problem getting through security.

It's no different in Athens.

Kellner, who came to the Olympics ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in men's foil, said he often talks to security guards who look at his weapon and want to know what fencing is or ask about his particular role in the sport.

``You classify what you're carrying as sports equipment. Our bags basically look like golf bags,'' he said.

Kellner is superstitious about another item in his baggage.

The 28-year-old has worn the same T-shirt in the first round of every tournament since he was a teenager.

``My mom got me a Batman T-shirt because I was collecting comic books. It was an extra large, and back then it was too big for me,'' he said.

``I always check my bag to make sure it's packed. A few times I thought I'd lost it, but it always shows up in the laundry. No matter how I do, win or lose, that's the T-shirt I wear first round,'' he said.

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