Akhi Spencer-El on Success in Milan and the Plan for Paris

Our guest is Akhi Spencer-El, a USA Fencing Hall of Famer and Team USA’s national weapons coach for men’s saber. Appointed in January 2022, Akhi made history as USA Fencing’s first Black national coach.But his accomplishments go far beyond that important milestone. His résumé is teeming with accolades: three-time junior saber national champion, two-time senior saber national champion, former world No. 1 in junior saber, and a 2000 Olympian. He’s also an experienced mentor, having coached at the Pan American Games, Columbia University, and the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where he guided a team that included Ibtihaj Muhammad.This summer at the 2023 FIE Fencing World Championships, Akhi and the men's saber team achieved their best-ever finish, capturing an individual gold medal for Eli Dershwitz and a team bronze for the U.S.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn