🎙️ EPISODE 21 | ADAM METWALLY INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

What if the key to success isn't following the five-step plan, but ignoring all advice and creating an audacious version of yourself? Adam Metwally moved from Australia to NYC after one spontaneous trip, invested in a nightclub after six weeks, and built multiple income streams—all while treating his podcast as art, not a business. This conversation will change how you think about risk, freedom, and building the life you actually want.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• Why building financial security BEFORE taking major leaps gives you the freedom to bet on yourself without desperation
• The "alter ego method" Adam discovered after 140+ podcast interviews—how successful people create an audacious persona and make decisions through that lens until they become it
• How to know when you've hit your ceiling and why comfort is often the enemy of growth
• The 80-year-old regret test: a powerful framework for making life-changing decisions without overthinking
• Why the grind itself—showing up daily for an unreasonable amount of time—matters more than natural talent or specific outcomes

Adam Metwally went from engineering student in Australia to NYC nightlife entrepreneur, DJ, agency owner, and podcast host. After building and selling a successful business in a small city, Covid forced him to confront his ceiling. Now he's focused on long-term freedom, treating his podcast as an art form, and helping others navigate their own transformations.

If you're an entrepreneur tired of playing small, someone considering a major life leap, or just want to understand what actually drives successful people beyond the surface-level advice—this episode is for you.

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Introduction & Background: From Australia to NYC  
00:06:00 The Nightlife Journey: Building a Business from Zero  
00:11:00 Covid Reflection & The Decision to Leave  
00:18:00 All-In Moments & Decision-Making Philosophy  
00:27:00 Current Focus: Podcast as Art & Building Around It  
00:36:00 The Humanization of Mentors & Podcast Insights  
00:40:01 Fun Question: The Dumb Hot Show Experience  
00:43:09 What Drives You: The Grinding Mindset  
00:52:54 Being the Dumbest Person in the Room  
00:57:20 The Alter Ego Method and Advice Paradox  
01:10:45 One Light Answers Rapid Fire

💬 BEST QUOTES
"I came here and the whole world opened up to me that I never, ever thought that I had any business being a part of."
"I've learned over the last ten years or so that the most valuable thing you can have in your life is your freedom. And I've been fighting really hard to prioritize my freedom to do the things that I want to do."
"the problem with advice is if it's prescriptive, it kind of doesn't work like the five steps to X, the ten steps to Y, anyone that's actually going to make genuine change in their life kind of needs to ignore this."

Theme Song written and performed by Colin Campbell

Connect with Adam!

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetwally/?hl=en
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP62dkT4JUozGGlk7zT1afQ

Support Fencing For a Purpose

Website: https://fencingforapurpose.org/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fencingforapurpose/
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fencing-for-a-purpose

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🎙️ EPISODE 20 | KEETH SMART INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

What does it take to come back from the most devastating loss of your career, with both parents gone, and claim Olympic redemption? Three-time Olympian and Olympic Silver Medalist Keeth Smart reveals the mental game, community culture, and life lessons that built a champion—and how those same skills translate directly to success in business and life.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• How the Peter Westbrook Foundation created a self-sustaining culture where champions gave back and lifted the next generation
• The exact mental shift Keeth made between losing 45-44 while leading 40-35 in Athens 2004, and winning silver using counterintuitive tactics in Beijing 2008
• Why fencing's discipline, loss management, and tactical analysis make elite athletes exceptional in business—and how Keeth applies these skills daily in his career
• What the newly announced World Fencing League needs to succeed as a professional sport (hint: it's not just about the fencing)

Keeth Smart is a three-time U.S. Olympian (2000, 2004, 2008), Olympic silver medalist, five-time Senior World Championship team member, and the first American fencer to achieve a #1 world ranking. As a founding member of the legendary Peter Westbrook Foundation, Keeth helped build the community that transformed American fencing.

If you're interested in Olympic sports, comeback stories, mental resilience, or how elite athletic skills translate to life success, this episode is packed with insights you can apply today. Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and subscribe for more conversations with fencing legends!

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:57 From Brooklyn to Olympic Fencing - The Peter Westbrook Foundation Origin
00:13:00 Building a Culture of Excellence and Giving Back
00:30:00 The Devastating 2004 Olympic Loss
00:34:00 Redemption: The 2008 Olympic Comeback Victory
00:43:00 From Strip to Boardroom - Applying Fencing Skills to Life
00:51:41 Transitioning Out of Elite Sport
01:04:49 Mental Game & Intimidation Tactics
01:13:00 World Fencing League Discussion
01:26:36 One Light Answers Rapid Fire

💬  BEST QUOTES
"Pete would say to me, 'Keeth, you could be number one in the world. But I want to see you there. 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Volunteer coaching and and sharing your wisdom with the generation behind you'"
"I'm only focused on the visualization I had learned from Aladar, and then also the skills that I had acquired from my teammates and years of trusting the process"
"fencing taught me and I apply it every day to my day-to-day living. It's the discipline. It's the, you're going to lose way more bouts than you're ever going to win. No matter. You can be the number one fencer of all time. You still have a lot of losses on your resume."
"Fencing is like the game of life."
"I knew how the movie ends. Not just in fencing, but in a lot of sports, like, I have a lot of friends in different Olympic sports. And they struggled with the transition after the Olympics."

Peter Westbrook Foundation

Website: https://www.peterwestbrook.org/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterwestbrookfoundation/
Donate: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?id=1&name=E355212

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🎙️ EPISODE 19 | MICHAEL AUFRICHTIG

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

What if the sport you stumbled into by accident became your life's calling? Columbia University head fencing coach Michael Aufrichtig went from choosing fencing to fit his class schedule to leading the Lions to back-to-back NCAA Championships. In this episode, he reveals the coaching philosophy that transformed Columbia fencing and why he believes the sport is really about preparing athletes for life beyond the strip.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• How training at the New York Athletic Club alongside Olympians accelerated Michael's competitive breakthrough from an average fencer to Junior Olympics top 8 in one year
• Why Michael shifted from ego-driven coaching focused on championships to creating environments where athletes do their best work
• The "Help the Helper" culture that powered Columbia's NCAA dominance and how it applies beyond fencing
• How Michael's entrepreneurial journey filming World Cup top 8s (the precursor to modern fencing video services) funded his competitive career
• What the NIL era means for the future of college fencing and how programs can adapt

Michael Aufrichtig is the head coach at Columbia University, where he's led the Lions to multiple Ivy League titles and back-to-back NCAA Championships. He's also Chairman of the New York Athletic Club fencing program, one of the most prestigious clubs in American fencing.

If you're an aspiring college fencer, current NCAA athlete, or fencing fan who wants to understand what separates good programs from championship programs, this conversation is packed with insights. Subscribe for more episodes with fencing's top coaches, athletes, and innovators!

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 Introduction & Michael's Early Fencing Journey
00:05:36 The Accidental Fencer: From Running to Épée
00:16:10 New York Athletic Club & Competitive Breakthrough
00:20:38 From Fencer to Equipment Vendor to Tech Sales
00:25:00 Becoming NYAC Chairman & Columbia Head Coach
00:32:53 Coaching Philosophy: Environment Over Ego
00:35:58 Fencing as Life Training
00:42:42 Building the Help the Helper Culture
00:45:22 The Back-to-Back Championship Mentality
00:56:38 NIL Era and Future of Fencing

💬 BEST QUOTES
"I really look at it as I'm creating an environment where people can do their best work, right? Both at the New York Athletic Club and at Columbia"
"I felt relieved. I didn't feel the joy. The first one [championship] is joy. Second one [championship] like, wow, how do we do this, right? This is crazy because also as a coach, I'm looking and I see everything that could be better."
"I've been in this, it's more than fencing. It's about life."
"they can't make fun of you if we win."

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🎙️ EPISODE 18 – ASMAR BILAL

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

In our first episode featuring a non-fencing athlete, former Notre Dame and NFL linebacker Asmar Bilal joins Direct Elimination to share his profound journey from undrafted free agent to professional athlete to building a platform that helps others navigate life after sport. This conversation goes far beyond football, exploring the universal challenges athletes face in their athletic and post-athletic careers, and how to turn passion into purpose. 

Asmar opens up about the reality of professional athletics: the chip on his shoulder from going undrafted, the resilience required after repeated setbacks and injuries, and the surprising danger that came when he finally "made it" and lost that hunger. His honest reflection on how complacency may have contributed to his career's end offers a powerful lesson about the double-edged sword of success. Now, through his platform Secured Tomorrows, Asmar is building a community and resource hub for athletes across all sports navigating the challenging transition to life after competition, helping them recognize their worth beyond athletic identity and translate their unique skills into meaningful careers.

Whether you're an athlete contemplating what's next, someone in transition, or simply interested in the psychology of high performance and identity, this conversation offers wisdom applicable far beyond the athletic arena.

You'll hear:
• How going undrafted and getting waived repeatedly created the fuel that drove Asmar's NFL career
• Why athletic talent alone isn't enough—the holistic skills required to succeed at the professional level
• The dangerous moment when "making it" removes the chip on your shoulder that got you there
• How to redefine self-worth and identity when your sport is no longer the vehicle for your purpose
• The challenge of articulating athletic transferable skills to employers who've never competed
• Asmar's vision for Secured Tomorrows as a community platform serving athletes in transition across all disciplines

⏱ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 – Introduction: First Non-Fencing Guest
00:06:30 – Early Journey: Finding Football Through Family
00:09:22 – The All-In Moment: High School to College Transition
00:14:05 – Learning the Game: From Athlete to Student
00:20:05 – Football as Freedom: Purpose Beyond the Game
00:28:00 – Professional Setbacks: Undrafted, Injuries, and Resilience
00:39:50 – The Double-Edged Sword of Success
00:46:13 – Finding Identity Beyond Football
00:52:29 – Translating Athletic Skills to the Marketplace
00:59:01 – Secure Tomorrow: Building an Athlete Transition Community
01:09:00 – Rapid Fire & Final Reflections

💬 QUOTES
• "Talent in itself isn't going to get you there. It's holistic - being able to deal with adversity, being able to reset, being tempered, being reliable, being trustworthy. All these things are necessary in order for you to be trusted to be placed in that position."
• "The demise of my career was the arrogance of making it and not letting the event of getting waived drive me to do more."
• "It's not just the accomplishment of making it to the NFL that's going to be the most impactful. But now the ability to share all the things that I've learned through this experience"
• "The purpose stays the same. It's just about the vehicle. How can I lever

Thank you for listening!

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🎙️ EPISODE 17 – FEDERICO VISMARA

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

Join us for an intimate conversation with Federico Vismara, one of Italy's top epee fencers from 2019-2024, having won many international medals and achieving immense team success before finishing 5th at the Paris Olympics and retiring at 27. Federico opens up about his "short and sweet" era of dominance, the mental toughness required at elite levels, and the difficult decision to step away from competition at his peak.

From randomly choosing fencing at age 5 to becoming a world champion and Olympian, Federico shares his journey through the Italian fencing system, dealing with team politics, overcoming career-threatening injuries, and the psychological challenges athletes face when transitioning to life after sport. He also discusses his current path as an MBA student and consultant, plus his unique perspective on American culture during his time studying abroad.

You'll hear:
• The psychology behind elite competitive mentality and "mask on, killer mode"
• How Italian and American fencing systems differ in development and support
• The real challenges of balancing education with Olympic-level competition
• Inside stories of Italian team politics and Olympic qualification battles
• Why planning for life after sport is crucial for athlete mental health
• Federico's transition from elite competition to business consulting

⏱ CHAPTERS
00:00:00 – Intro
[00:02:59] – Federico Vismara's Achievements and Background
[00:04:44] – Competitive History and Mentality
[00:07:47] – Random Start to Fencing Career
[00:10:18] – Early Success and Development
[00:13:47] – Italian vs American Fencing Systems
[00:23:24] – Early Self-Belief and Injury Struggles
[00:32:04] – Training Philosophy and Mental Approach
[00:36:23] – The Back Injury Crisis and Recovery
[00:38:22] – Team Politics and Olympic Qualification Battle
[00:40:21] – Dealing with Italian Team Politics
[00:45:01] – Paris Olympics Experience and Career Conclusion
[00:48:21] – Federation Politics and Giving Back
[00:50:36] – The Future of Global Fencing
[00:58:10] – One Light Answers - Rapid Fire Questions

💬 QUOTES
• "For me, going onto the piste was a battle. It's my life or your life. You have to get it. I won't give it to you for free."
• "People have a risk to lose themselves when they have a goal, and then after that, it's like a void"
• "You have to be cold. And when somebody promises you something that you agree on a strategy to get over an injury and they know maintain their world is, it's tough"

This is a podcast about passion. Fencing For A Purpose is a non-profit organization founded by 3 young fencers to share their passion for fencing with communities that would otherwise be underserved by the sport. The organization has engaged many high school fencers across the country with the intent of giving back and paying it forward, with officers all over the country. They run camps for underrepresented community members, tutor international fencers in English, raise money and donate gear in order to support grassroots clubs that need funds in order to provide a better experience for their fencers. 

Website: https://fencingforapurpose.org/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fencingforapurpose/
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fencing-for-a-

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🎙️ EPISODE 16 – KHALIL THOMPSON INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

Olympic fencer Khalil Thompson shares his raw, unfiltered journey from struggling with depression and living in his sister's shadow to finding his own identity through sport. This powerful conversation explores the mental health challenges elite athletes face, the pressure of Olympic dreams, and how fencing became both an outlet for anger and a path to self-discovery.

Khalil discusses his decade-long journey to his first NAC victory, the pivotal role of mentor Peter Westbrook, and his experience at the Tokyo Olympics. From considering quitting the sport to finding renewal through teaching fencing in West Africa, this episode reveals the hidden struggles behind athletic excellence and the importance of speaking up about mental health.

You'll hear:

• How fencing became therapy during a mental health crisis
• Breaking free from sibling comparison and family expectations
• The reality of Olympic dreams vs. practical goals
• Why speaking about mental health struggles is crucial for athletes

This episode dives deep into the mental health aspects of athletic pursuit, the importance of representation in Olympic sports, and how finding the right community can transform a young person's entire trajectory. Whether you're a fencing enthusiast, aspiring Olympian, or someone seeking inspiration about overcoming personal challenges, Khalil's story delivers powerful lessons about persistence, identity, and the unexpected paths to greatness.

⏱ Chapters

[00:00:00] – Welcome Back and Guest Introduction
[00:02:30] – Khalil's Resume
[00:06:24] – The Beginning: From Ballet to Fencing
[00:12:21] – Early Olympic Inspiration
[00:14:10] – Foundation Training and Mentorship
[00:23:58] – Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence
[00:28:23] – Mental Health Crisis and Seeking Help
[00:35:43] – The Ten-Year Journey to First NAC Victory
[00:45:43] – Breaking the Silence: Speaking About Depression
[00:52:20] – Olympic Qualification Struggles and COVID Impact
[00:55:42] – Finding Creative Expression Through Photography
[01:08:30] – Finding Purpose Beyond Competition
[01:16:08] – Building Resilience Through Small Wins
[01:29:00] – Peter Westbrook Foundation Impact
[01:31:29] – One Light Rapid Fire Questions
[01:43:45] – Final Thoughts and Appreciation

💬 Quotes

"It's really easy to just not remember like the accomplishments you have as an athlete, especially when you're not always thinking like, it's just not there yet"
"We're all in this together. Even though it's a very, very lonely journey at times in your head"
"If you want to achieve a dream, you have to be delusional. And I struggled with being delusional for a very long time"
"When you talk about an issue, you start realizing like how much something so small can impact your life"

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🎙️ EPISODE 15 -- DARYL HOMER INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

Olympic silver medalist Daryl Homer reveals the untold story behind his rise from a curious five-year-old in the Bronx to Team USA's fencing podium in Rio. This isn't just another athlete success story – it's a masterclass in long-term planning, identity, and overcoming career-ending setbacks.

You'll hear:
• How discovering fencing in a children's dictionary at age 5 launched an Olympic journey
• The three pivotal "all-in" moments that separated him from other talented fencers
• Why growing up as an African-American fencer in the Bronx shaped his identity and mission
• His revolutionary approach to Olympic planning: why it's a 4-year cycle, not a yearly grind
• The devastating Achilles injury that threatened everything he'd built
• How teaching fencing in Benin, Africa transformed his perspective on sport and identity
• His vision for making elite fencing more professional and accessible
• The role of mentors like Peter Westbrook in building championship-level mindset
• Why sacrifice and commitment matter weigh on you as you age in high-level athletics

From the Peter Westbrook Foundation to the Olympic podium, Homer's journey demonstrates what's possible when talent meets unwavering dedication. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone pursuing excellence in any field, his insights on long-term planning, overcoming adversity, and staying true to your mission will reshape how you approach your goals.

Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway and subscribe for more champion mindset interviews!

⏱ Chapters
00:00:00 – Introduction and Resume
00:03:30 – Origins: Finding Fencing in the Bronx  
00:07:50 – Identity and Growing Up in the Sport
00:14:45 – All-In Moments: Commitment to Excellence
00:21:30 – The Passion Behind the Pursuit
00:27:00 – Global Impact: Teaching in Africa
00:34:15 – Long-term Perspective on Athletic Development
00:43:15 – Overcoming Adversity: The Achilles Injury
00:52:35 – Building a Support Team
00:59:40 – Vision for Fencing's Future
01:09:30 – Rapid Fire Questions
01:13:30 – Closing Thoughts

💬 Quotes
* "I love the game. I love the sport. I love the way it challenges me. I love the way it humbles me."
* "It's not really age. It's about how much you're willing to sacrifice and how much you're willing to put on the back burner in your life."
* "Making an Olympic team is like a four year plan. I think a lot of people think that they can just show up during qualification and make it like you might be able to make it, but the reality is a four year plan."

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Peter Westbrook Foundation

Website: https://www.peterwestbrook.org/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterwestbrookfoundation/
Donate: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?id=1&name=E355212

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🎙️ EPISODE 14 -- SAM IMREK INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

Team USA fencer Sam Imrek's journey from Star Wars-obsessed kid to elite athlete proves that unconventional paths often lead to extraordinary results. In this episode, Sam opens up about developing his unique fencing style, handling criticism from doubters, and the mental resilience that fuels his comeback mentality.

You'll hear:
• How Star Wars lightsaber play sparked Sam's fencing journey at Alliance Fencing Academy
• The origin story behind his unorthodox technique that initially drew criticism
• His powerful mindset for dealing with haters and proving doubters wrong
• Strategies for balancing D1 athletics, academics, and international competition
• The comeback mentality that keeps him fighting until the final point
• His emerging leadership role on Team USA and advice for younger fencers
• Rapid-fire insights on confidence, travel, and what drives elite performance

From treating fencing like sword fighting as an 8-year-old troublemaker to becoming a leader on the senior national team, Sam's story showcases the power of staying authentic to your style while continuously pushing to improve. His philosophy that "the bout's not over until it's over" applies far beyond the fencing strip.

Whether you're in competitive sports, facing criticism for being different, or need motivation to bounce back from setbacks, Sam's insights on mental toughness and unconventional success will inspire your journey.

⏱ Chapters
00:00:00 – Introduction & Guest Resume
00:07:00 – Origin Story & Early Fencing
00:12:00 – The All-In Moment
00:15:00 – What Sparks the Fire
00:18:00 – Unique Fencing Style Origins
00:21:00 – Handling Haters & Doubters
00:27:00 – Dreams: Past and Future
00:30:00 – Comeback Mentality
00:36:00 – Edge Product Testing Segment
00:45:00 – College Transition Advice
00:49:00 – Overcoming Setbacks
00:56:00 – Leadership on Team USA
01:02:00 – One-Light Answers Rapid Fire

💬 Quotes
* "It's something that I've been doing my whole life and it's something that I'm really talented and skilled in"
* "The bout's not over until it's over"
* "There's always going to be another tournament. There's always going to be another season where you can improve"

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🎙️ EPISODE 13 -- LAUREN SCRUGGS INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

Join Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart for an inspiring conversation with Lauren Scruggs, the first Black American woman to win an individual Olympic fencing medal. From her focused beginnings to making history at the Olympics, Lauren shares her incredible journey of breaking barriers while maintaining her identity beyond the sport. 

You'll hear:
• The unique dynamics of being coached by her stepfather Sean McClain
• Her philosophy on compartmentalizing fencing and maintaining identity beyond sport
• The coaching dynamics of working with stepfather Sean McClain and managing dual relationships
• What it means to be a trailblazer and the responsibility that comes with representation
• How she overcame financial barriers in an expensive sport through determination
• Balancing a career in wealth management with Olympic-level athletic training
• The crucial role of support systems like Peter Westbrook Foundation and sponsors
• Her quality-over-quantity training approach developed through financial constraints and efficient time use

Lauren's story demonstrates that success in elite fencing isn't just about talent—it's about smart training, life balance, and staying true to yourself while breaking new ground. Her insights on compartmentalization and avoiding the trap of defining yourself solely as an athlete offer valuable lessons for any competitive fencer or athlete.

Don't miss this authentic discussion with one of America's most inspiring Olympic athletes who proves that being yourself is something worth celebrating.

⏱ Chapters
00:00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:03:30 – Origin Story - How Lauren Started Fencing
00:07:00 – Coaching Relationship with Stepfather Sean
00:10:30 – Life Balance and Identity Outside Fencing
00:15:30 – The All-In Moment and Competitive Drive
00:20:30 – Why Fencing - What Drew Her to the Sport
00:28:00 – College Experience at Harvard
00:32:00 – Being a Trailblazer and First Achievements
00:36:30 – Overcoming Financial Barriers and Setbacks
00:43:00 – Professional Career in Wealth Management
00:47:00 – Future Goals and Dreams
00:49:30 – Empire United and Peter Westbrook Foundation
00:54:00 – Sponsorship and Support Systems
01:01:00 – One-Light Answers Rapid Fire

💬 Quotes
* "I definitely don't define myself as just a fencer. I have other things going for me"
* "If you're going to do something, you're gonna do it well and try to be the best"
* "You have to have your own life aside from the sport. I think for young athletes, it's like super important"
* "I think something just clicked, like I was lucky to find a sport that just really aligned with me"

The Peter Westbrook Foundation addresses social, physical, academic, and health barriers by leveraging the unique sport of fencing to offer structured physical activity, academic support, and world class coach-mentors to help underrepresented youth excel. Link in podcast description

Website: https://www.peterwestbrook.org/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterwestbrookfoundation/
Donate: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?id=1&name=E355212

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Prieur USA

Website: https://www.prieurusa.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prieur_usa/

🎙️ EPISODE 12 – GRANT WILLIAMS INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

In this episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with Grant Williams — a U.S. Men’s Épée National Team fencer, 2x Olympic alternate, and full-time consultant — to talk about balance, commitment, and chasing purpose inside and outside of sport.

Grant shares what it means to be all in: from early days fencing in Seattle to training and working in New York City, to handling the emotional highs and lows of international competition while building a demanding professional career.

You’ll hear:

• How he started fencing and what early inspiration looked like
• What it was like moving to NYC and adjusting to elite training
• The all-in moment that changed his mindset
• SEGMENT — En Garde / The Why Behind the Win: what fuels him now
• Lessons from being a Paris Olympics alternate — turning setback into motivation
• Five-year dreams: looking back and forward
• Balancing consulting work with a fencing career
• SEGMENT — One-Light Answers (rapid fire Q&A)
• Closing thoughts & Prieur thanks

This episode is about control, composure, and consistency — the qualities that turn good fencers into great athletes and professionals.

⏱ Timestamps

00:00:00 – Intro and welcome
 00:01:12 – Who are you? Where are you from? How did you start fencing?
 00:07:45 – Moving to New York City — life and training adjustments
 00:13:58 – The all-in moment: “You can’t halfway commit to fencing.”
 00:20:21 – SEGMENT: En Garde / The Why Behind the Win
 00:28:47 – Paris Olympics alternate experience
 00:36:04 – Five years ago vs five years from now
 00:43:59 – Balancing full-time consulting and fencing
 00:52:13 – On structure, recovery, and mental balance
 00:59:50 – SEGMENT: One-Light Answers
 01:04:32 – Closing & Prieur partnership appreciation

💬  Quotes

• “Moving to New York forced me to grow up fast — in sport, and in life.” 
• “Being an alternate wasn’t failure — it was the reminder that you’re still right there.” 
• “Five years ago, my goal was just to make the team. Now it’s to redefine what’s possible while working full-time.”

This is a podcast about passion. Fencing For A Purpose is a non-profit organization founded by 3 young fencers to share their passion for fencing with communities that would otherwise be underserved by the sport. The organization has engaged many high school fencers across the country with the intent of giving back and paying it forward, with officers all over the country. They run camps for underrepresented community members, tutor international fencers in English, raise money and donate gear in order to support grassroots clubs that need funds in order to provide a better experience for their fencers. 

Website: https://fencingforapurpose.org/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fencingforapurpose/
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fencing-for-a-purpose

Thank you for listening!

🔗 Connect with Us

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://link.me/directeliminationpodcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directeliminationpodcast/

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@directeliminationpodcast
📺 Subscribe for more episodes: youtube.com/@directeliminationpodcast

Prieur USA

Website: https://www.prieurusa.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prieur_usa/