The Swordsport Podcast

In the season 3 premiere of the SwordSport Podcast, host Don Anthony kicks off the new season with a comprehensive look back at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. From standout performances to memorable moments, Don reflects on how the sport of fencing continues to evolve on the grandest stage.
Looking ahead, Don sets his sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, discussing the potential for fencing to shine on home soil and the opportunities for growth and visibility as the sport continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Additionally, Don provides exclusive insight into upcoming initiatives and activities of the international governing body of fencing, the FIE. From fostering global participation to advancing the sport's infrastructure, this episode offers an insider's perspective on the future of fencing at the international level.
Don’t miss this engaging start to Season 3, filled with reflections, forward-thinking analysis, and the passion for fencing that makes this podcast a must-listen for fans and athletes alike.

In the latest episode of the SwordSport Podcast, host Don Anthony sits down with Kelly Feng and Vincent Haney, two standout recent graduates of the Ohio State Fencing program. As they reflect on their collegiate fencing careers, Kelly and Vincent share their unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs both on and off the strip.
Listen in as they discuss how their time at Ohio State has shaped them as athletes and individuals, their valuable lessons learned through fencing, and their plans for the future. Whether you're a fencing enthusiast or simply interested in stories of personal growth and achievement, this episode offers a heartfelt and insightful look into the lives of two accomplished fencers who have left a lasting mark on the OSU program.
Please tune in to hear Kelly and Vincent's journey, the impact of their fencing careers, and what's next as they embark on new chapters beyond the sport. 🤺🎓

In this special episode of the SwordSport Podcast, host Don Anthony brings together an extraordinary panel of fencers who have showcased their talents on the world stage. Joining the conversation are OSU assistant coach and four-time Olympian Dmitri Lapkes, former OSU fencer Julieta Toledo who represented Mexico in the 2016 Rio Games, and current OSU fencer Luca Fioretto, seasoned in international competitions.
The panelists share their unique experiences from the Olympic and international fencing arenas. Dmitri Lapkes offers insights from his extensive Olympic journey, while Julieta Toledo reflects on her memorable participation in the Rio Games. Luca Fioretto brings a fresh perspective from his recent international competitions.
As they delve into their individual stories, the panelists also discuss the current state of the sport and what lies ahead as we approach the 2024 Paris Games. They explore the evolving dynamics of fencing, the challenges athletes face, and the exciting future opportunities.
Tune in to this engaging episode to hear firsthand accounts from some of the most accomplished fencers in the world. Prepare for an inspiring discussion filled with Olympic memories, international experiences, and expert insights on the path to Paris 2024. 🤺🌍🇫🇷

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony welcomes two distinguished guests to the show. Luca Fioretto, who recently achieved a stellar T-3rd place finish at the NCAA Championships in Men's Sabre, joins the conversation to share his experiences and insights from the past OSU fencing season. Additionally, we are thrilled to have Nolan Williams, our first return guest, back on the podcast. 
Together, Don, Luca, and Nolan take a deep dive into the highs and lows of the recent OSU fencing season. They reflect on the team's performance, the challenges they faced, and the unforgettable moments that defined their journey. Luca shares his personal experiences and the dedication that propelled him to his impressive finish at the NCAA Championships.
As the conversation progresses, the trio shifts their focus to the future, discussing the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. Tune in for a dynamic conversation filled with inspiration, expertise, and a shared passion for the sport of fencing. 🤺🇫🇷✨

🎙️ In the episode of the Swordsport Podcast Don Anthony sits down with Dawn Anderson-Butcher, the co-executive director of LifeSports at The Ohio State University, for a thought-provoking conversation on the role of youth sports in today's society and its intersection with the sport of fencing.

Dawn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, boasting an impressive background as a professor at the College of Social Work and affiliate faculty member in Human Sciences at OSU. Dawn is a leading authority in sport-based positive youth development, afterschool programming, and school mental health practice.

As they delve into the discussion, Don and Dawn explore the profound impact that youth sports can have on young athletes, not just in terms of physical skills development, but also in fostering essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Drawing from her own experiences as a college athlete and coach, Dawn sheds light on the transformative power of sports in shaping the character and values of today's youth.

With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, Dawn and Don examine how the principles of positive youth development can be applied within the realm of fencing, a sport renowned for its discipline and mental fortitude. From grassroots initiatives to high-performance training programs, they discuss strategies for creating an environment where every young athlete has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
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This week Don sits down with Mika Guillen, a remarkable individual whose journey into the world of fencing took an unconventional route. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mika found herself embarking on a thrilling adventure that would change her life forever.

Mika shares her unique story of how she became friends with an OSU fencer who recommended she join the team when they were looking for a foilist Without prior experience in the sport, Mika's leap of faith led her to a world of elite athletes and Olympians, where she found herself on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

From the initial skepticism to overcoming challenges and earning the respect of her teammates, Mika's resilience shines through as she reflects on her transformative four-year journey. With the support of her teammates and mentors like Don Anthony, and Elvis Gregory Gil. Mika navigated the intricacies of fencing, mastering the fundamentals from scratch and eventually finding her stride on the strip.

As Mika prepares to graduate and move on to new horizons, she reflects on the profound impact fencing has had on her life. With a newfound passion and dedication, she shares insights on her plans for her future in fencing and in her career at Google.

Join us as we celebrate Mika's inspiring journey, filled with perseverance, camaraderie, and the unwavering determination to embrace the unexpected twists and turns that life has to offer. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation that reminds us all of the power of seizing opportunities and forging our own paths, no matter where they may lead. Tune in now! 🤺✨

Join Don Anthony in an enlightening episode of the Swordsport Podcast as he delves into the intricate world of collegiate foil fencing with Miranda Freedman, a junior foil fencer for the Buckeyes.

Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid reflections, Miranda reveals the profound bond she shares with her teammates, offering insights into the unique personalities and dynamics within the Buckeye fencing community. From heartwarming tales of late-night study sessions to lighthearted banter on competition trips, Miranda paints a vivid picture of camaraderie and support among the squad.

In a poignant conclusion, Miranda imparts invaluable advice to aspiring fencers, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a multifaceted identity beyond the confines of the sport. Her message resonates with authenticity and wisdom, offering a profound reminder of the power of self-discovery and personal growth.

Don Anthony's engaging interview style coupled with Miranda Freedman's candid insights makes this episode a must-listen for fencing enthusiasts and athletes alike. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the athletes that define collegiate fencing at Ohio State University.

Join Don Anthony in an insightful episode of the Swordport Podcast as he delves into the intricate dynamics and dedication of the foil squad, featuring a candid conversation with Edriss Ndiaye, senior foil fencer from The Ohio State University and 2024 Central Collegiate Fencing Conference champion in Foil.
In this episode, Don and Edriss explore the essence of team cohesion and performance excellence within the foil squad. Edriss shares invaluable insights into the role of leadership, highlighting the pivotal contribution of their coach, Elvis Gregory Gil, in fostering unity and communication among team members. Through open dialogue and mutual respect, the foil squad maintains a transparent training environment, where every fencer's input is valued and acknowledged.
Discover how the foil squad's collective mindset and unwavering commitment to each other create a foundation for success, both on and off the strip. Edriss reflects on his journey in the sport, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and the personal growth attained through fencing.
As the conversation unfolds, Edriss candidly discusses his decision regarding the future of his fencing career, emphasizing the importance of being present in the moment. Despite uncertainties, his dedication to fostering inclusivity and representation in fencing remains unwavering.
Tune in to gain profound insights into the ethos of the foil squad and the transformative power of sport in shaping character and community. Don Anthony's engaging interview style coupled with Edriss Ndiaye's authenticity makes this episode a must-listen for fencing enthusiasts and beyond.

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony engages in a conversation with Nolan Williams, a sabre fencer from The Ohio State University. Nolan spoke about his journey through his fencing origins to how he ended up a Buckeye. Nolan also describes the unique challenges and triumphs of being a student-athlete, offering a compelling glimpse into the world of fencing at the collegiate level.

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, we bring you a panel discussion that delves into the world of media and its impact on the sport of fencing. Hosted by Don Anthony, our panel comprises seasoned media professionals with a shared passion for fencing and a wealth of experience in various mediums such as video production, web design, journalism, photography, and podcast production.