Direct Elimination Podcast
Direct Elimination is a fencing podcast hosted by Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart, two elite U.S. fencers pursuing Olympic dreams. It goes beyond competition to explore the mental battles, resilience, and personal growth behind athletes' journeys. Episodes feature conversations with fencers, Olympians, and sports leaders about mindset, comebacks, and purpose. The show is aimed at athletes, Olympic sports fans, and anyone chasing excellence in life.
Episodes
Canada's First Olympic Fencing Medalist Eleanor Harvey Talks Mentality, Pressure and Dealing with Success| The Will to Win Ep. 5
Eleanor Harvey, Canada’s first Olympic Fencing medalist, gets deep about the emotional dysregulation she felt following the Paris Games, how she sets herself up for success, and what the will to win looks like in one of the sport’s top athletes. The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why Eleanor deliberately kills her own ego before every tournament and
Sabre Olympian Kaito Streets on Learning from Losses and Chasing Greatness | The Will to Win Ep. 4
Kaito Streets left Team USA to fence for Japan, where he has both missed and qualified for Olympic Games in the last 10 years. Through the ups, downs, wins and almosts of his career, Kaito's resilience speaks for itself. The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why Kaito switched from representing the US to Japan, and what it meant to him in pride, p
Olympic Bronze Medalist and World #1 Mohamed Elsayed: Trusting Yourself When It Counts Most | The Will to Win Ep. 3
How powerful is manifestation? In Paris 2024, Mohamed Elsayed won bronze, and then finally opened a video that he recorded on his phone in 2021.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How Mohamed Elsayed turned years of one-touch losses in quarterfinals into the exact skills that won him an Olympic medal, and why he says he didn't know those losses
Hong Kong Fencer Kaylin Hsieh on Winning Gold, Fear of Losing, and the Olympic Question | The Will to Win Ep. 2
Kaylin Hsieh won her first Grand Prix gold sick, alone, and with nothing to lose, and came to share some of the ups and downs of her professional athletic career. The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How Kaylin used illness at the Doha Grand Prix to strip away pressure and fence with complete freedom, and why that mindset produced her best result• Why
Pentathlon Olympian and World Champion turned NCAA Fencing Head Coach at Duke: Omar Elgeziry | Direct Elimination Ep. 35
Duke Fencing Head Coach Omar Elgeziry on why there's no luck in college fencing, and the meditation secret behind every Duke practice.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why Omar believes college fencing structurally eliminates luck, and how the round-robin format changes everything an international fencer thinks they know• The guided visualizat
Áron Szilágyi: Back-to-Back-to-Back Olympic Champion Who Says Losing at Paris Olympics Was Actually Liberating | The Will to Win Ep. 1
3× Individual Olympic champion Áron Szilágyi on the Achilles injury that changed everything and why losing at Paris felt like freedom.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• What Szilágyi is looking forward to in his upcoming competitions and seasons• How his first career injury forced him to rebuild his identity around small wins like walking and footwo
USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews on Growing Fencing in America: NCAA Programs, Marketing Push & the Road to LA 2028 | Direct Elimination Ep. 34
USA Fencing's CEO, Phil Andrews, reveals influencer and K-pop deals, a sport-saving radio campaign & what the sport's growth strategy is as we approach the LA 2028 Olympic Games. This episode will surprise you.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How USA Fencing became the ninth most mentioned brand on US radio in December (the only spor
Jerry Simmons on How to Raise a World Champion Fencer | Direct Elimination: Special Father's Day Edition
What does it actually take to raise a World Champion fencer? Jerry Simmons reveals the parenting philosophy no one talks about.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why Jerry and his wife never pressured their children about results, rankings, or college scholarships — and how that restraint became the foundation of their success• The hotel room medita
The Fencer Who Wrote Our Theme Song: Colin Campbell | Direct Elimination Ep. 33
Colin Campbell wrote the Direct Elimination theme song on sticky notes during construction breaks — and he's a Notre Dame fencing champion.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How Colin wrote, performed, and produced the Direct Elimination theme song — including the bossa nova chord progression, fencing-inspired lyrics, and his stacked harmony te
Our Wildest Fencing Season Yet — End of Season Recap
The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.Ari beat Olympic and world champion Masaru Yamada at the MedellínFencing World Cup, Stephen and the New York Athletic Club won the Senior National Team Championship, and somehow we still squeezed in three weddings, a sponsor visit, a full-reset hike in the mountains above Medellín, and a tarmac wait that almost cost us a flight to Switzerland.This is the
NCAA Fencing Champion & Paris Olympian Elizabeth Tartakovsky on Women's Saber Fencing, Harvard & Finding Joy Again | Direct Elimination Ep. 32
Paris Olympian Elizabeth Tartakovsky opens up about women's saber fencing, chasing the Olympics, and what comes after the dream.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How Elizabeth Tartakovsky went from getting kicked out of ballet to becoming a Paris Olympian in women's saber fencing• The mental game of defending your best-ever season when Ol
"I Will Go Through Fire for My Students" - Olympic Coach Igor Gantsevich on Coaching, Immigration & Dynamo Fencing Club | Direct Elimination Ep. 31
Igor Gantsevich took Dynamo Fencing Club and built it into 500+ members after injuries ended his career. His family is the immigrant story driving Canadian fencing forward.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How Igor pivoted from a career-ending wrist injury to building one of North America's largest fencing clubs — with 500+ members, 30 full-ti
3x Olympian Kat Holmes Used Game Theory to Win a World Championship Gold | Direct Elimination Ep. 30
3-time Olympian & World Champion Kat Holmes used game theory to win. She qualified for the Olympics while surviving medical school on zero sleep. This is an elite competitor. The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How Kat used her Princeton thesis on Nash equilibrium to develop an overtime fencing strategy that helped anchor Team USA to the 2018 Wor
World Fencing League Debut: What Happens Next?
World Fencing League finally debuted with the most eyes on fencing since Paris. We break down every match, the $10K prizes, and why the tech disappointed.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why the WFL debut may be the biggest moment for fencing since the Paris Olympics and what it still needs to fix to become a real league• How $10,000 per match com
World Fencing League: Publicity Stunt or Fencing's Future?
World Fencing League debuts, but is it fencing's future or just hype? We break down Miles Chambley-Watson, blade tracking tech & bold predictions.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:- Why Miles Chamley-Watson is both the perfect and most controversial choice as the face of the World Fencing League, and what his various sponsorships says about
Mohamed El-Sayed: The Story of Super Mo and His Rise to World Fencing Dominance | Direct Elimination Ep. 29
Mohamed El-Sayed has emerged from young underdog to the #1 Ranked Men's Epee Fencer in the World. He explains the "One Man Job" mindset that he credits this success to.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How Mohamed El-Sayed cleared his furniture, trained alone for 8–9 months during COVID, and emerged as Egypt's national number on
Jackie Dubrovich: Olympic Gold, Then What? Life After Paris 2024 | Direct Elimination Ep. 28
Jackie Dubrovich won Olympic gold with USA fencing in Paris 2024 — then walked away. What happens when the dream is done?The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How Jackie balanced a full-time corporate 9-to-5 with elite Olympic training — and why she says she couldn't physically do it again at 31• What it's really like to be coached by your hu
We Competed at the Astana Epee World Cup — Here's How it Went | Strategy, Upsets & Team USA Epee Rising
We competed at the Astana Epee World Cup in Kazakhstan — and Team USA beat Olympic champion Hungary. Full recap inside.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• What it's actually like to compete at an international epee World Cup in Kazakhstan — the culture, the food, and the competition floor• How Team USA Men's Epee finished sixth and pulled o
Olympic Fencer Soren Thompson: Going From "Career-Ending" Injury to Self-Coaching Success | Direct Elimination Ep. 27
Olympic fencer Soren Thompson tore his hamstring so badly he could barely walk—then self-coached his way back to the 2012 Games. His unconventional philosophy changed how he approached elite performance.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How Soren became the first American to reach Olympic top 8 in men's epee since 1956—despite growing up in Sa
Olympic Champion Fencer Romain Cannone on Winning Gold and his Sudden Departure from the Sport | Direct Elimination Ep. 26
Romain Cannone went from Olympic alternate to Olympic gold in Tokyo. He reveals the flow state & fencing culture that made it possible, and why he walked away at his peak. The untold American-French story.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How straddling American and French fencing systems created the perfect Olympic champion• What a true flow s
The Real Cost of Becoming an Elite Athlete: Dylan Nollner on Sacrifice & Mentality | Direct Elimination Ep. 25
What does it cost to become USA's #1 fencer? Dylan Nollner reveals the sacrifices, mental training, and why he walked away at his peak performance.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How transcendental meditation and Coach Aladar Kogler's pillars create flow states in sport, and specifically fencing• Why retiring at #1 in the USA made more
Unplanned Episodes 2: We Finally Faced Each Other in Direct Elimination | Cincinnati NAC Recap & Youth Sports Parenting
Stephen and Ari finally faced each other in direct elimination at NAC Cincinnati. We break down the match, mental prep challenges, and youth sports parenting.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• The moment Stephen and Ari finally fenced each other in competition and how they approached the mental game of facing a close friend• Why focus and mental pre
Unplanned Episodes 1: The World Fencing League Can Change Everything...
The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.After an unplanned hiatus, Ari and Stephen return to Direct Elimination with a commitment to authenticity, consistency, and real conversations about fencing. From their original failed league project to witnessing history at the World Cups, this episode marks a fresh start for the podcast that refuses to take itself too seriously.In this episode, you&apo
NCAA All-American Fencer Em Beihold on Becoming Someone She's Proud Of | Direct Elimination Ep. 24
Em Beihold went viral but struggled with deep depression. The NCAA All-American fencer turned full-time artist reveals how imposter syndrome follows you—even at the top.🎙️ EPISODE 23 | EM BEIHOLDThe Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• How imposter syndrome manifests differently in fencing vs. music careers—and why success doesn't eliminate self-doub
Fencing Injuries, Prehab & Physical Therapy for Athletes - Dr. Rachel Hey-Shipton | Direct Elimination Ep. 23
🎙️ EPISODE 23 | RACHEL HEY-SHIPTONThe Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.What if the reason you're still hurt, still compensating, or still underperforming isn't a lack of training — but a lack of the *right* care? Dr. Rachel Hey-Shipton has built a reputation among USA national team fencers and Olympians for doing something most sports PTs don't: actually understanding fencing
Seth Kelsey: World Champion Fencer on Going All-In, Olympic Heartbreak, and Investing in the Process | Direct Elimination Ep. 22
🎙️ EPISODE 22 | SETH KELSEY INTERVIEWThe Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.What does it really take to compete at the highest level of fencing? Seth Kelsey is the best Men's Epee Fencer in USA Fencing history. The 2012 World Team Champion and Olympic 4th place finisher reveals the moment he learned what 100% commitment actually means—and shares the mental preparation that led him to the
Building Freedom and the Leap of Faith that Changed Everything for Adam Metwally | Direct Elimination Ep. 21
🎙️ EPISODE 21 | ADAM METWALLY INTERVIEWThe 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
Keeth Smart: From Olympic Heartbreak to Silver Medal Redemption | Direct Elimination Ep. 20
🎙️ EPISODE 20 | KEETH SMART INTERVIEWThe 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
Michael Aufrichtig: From Accidental Fencer to Columbia University's Championship Coach | Direct Elimination Ep. 19
🎙️ EPISODE 19 | MICHAEL AUFRICHTIGThe 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 Colu
From NFL to Life After: Asmar Bilal on Identity, Purpose & Transition Out of Sport | Direct Elimination Ep. 18
🎙️ EPISODE 18 – ASMAR BILALThe 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
Italian Fencing Olympian Federico Vismara: Give Everything You Have | Direct Elimination Ep. 17
🎙️ EPISODE 17 – FEDERICO VISMARAThe 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, th
Olympic Fencer Khalil Thompson Opens Up About Mental Health Crisis & Finding Identity | Direct Elimination Ep. 16
🎙️ EPISODE 16 – KHALIL THOMPSON INTERVIEWThe 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 b
Olympic Silver Medalist Daryl Homer: From Podiums to Transcending the Sport | Direct Elimination Ep. 15
🎙️ EPISODE 15 -- DARYL HOMER INTERVIEWThe 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'
Fencing World Champion Sam Imrek: Unorthodox Style and Mental Resilience | Direct Elimination Ep. 14
🎙️ EPISODE 14 -- SAM IMREK INTERVIEWThe 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 mentali
Olympic Fencing Champion Lauren Scruggs: Breaking Barriers & Balancing Life | Direct Elimination Ep. 13
🎙️ EPISODE 13 -- LAUREN SCRUGGS INTERVIEWThe 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 be
Grant Williams on Fencing, Focus & the Champion's Mindset | Direct Elimination Ep. 12
🎙️ EPISODE 12 – GRANT WILLIAMS INTERVIEWThe 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 i
Camille Simmons: From Fencing to NFL Sidelines | Direct Elimination Ep. 11
🎙️ EPISODE 11 – CAMILLE SIMMONSThe Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.Hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with Camille Simmons — junior national champion and NCAA Division 1 Athlete turned professional sports photographer — to trace how a fencer’s mindset translates to Professional Photography and high-stakes creative work. From first picking up a camera to shooting the Houston Texan
Maia Chamberlain on Going All-In, Mindset & the Being Yourself | Direct Elimination Ep. 10
🎙️ EPISODE 10 – MAIA CHAMBERLAIN INTERVIEW In this episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with Maia Chamberlain — Olympian, U.S. Women’s Sabre National Team member, National and Pan-American Champion, and the first Prieur athlete outside of the hosts to appear on the podcast.Maia shares what it means to go all-in — in competition, training, and life. She opens
Ben Atkins on Fencing, Business Success & Purpose | Direct Elimination Ep. 9
🎙️ EPISODE 9 – BEN ATKINS INTERVIEWThe Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with Ben Atkins — one of the most accomplished U.S. collegiate fencers of his generation and a rare athlete to achieve championship success in both foil and épée. After his NCAA titles at Columbia University, Ben went on to an equally im
Nick Itkin on Olympic Bronze, Self Improvement & Pushing Limits | Direct Elimination Ep. 8
🎙️ EPISODE 8 – NICK ITKIN INTERVIEW In this special episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with one of the brightest stars in world fencing: Nick Itkin — Olympic bronze medalist, World Champion, NCAA Champion, and a name that has redefined what American foil can be.Nick’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and relentless pursuit of growth. From dominating th
Fares Ferjani on Olympic Lessons, African Pride & Fighting Spirit | Direct Elimination Ep. 7
🎙️ EPISODE 7 – FARES FERJANI INTERVIEWThe Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts. In this episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart welcome Fares Ferjani — Tunisian sabre fencer, Olympian, and one of the most inspiring voices in African fencing.Fares’ journey is rooted in family, identity, and pride. Coming from a fencing family in Tunisia, he quickly rose through the ran
Tristan Szapary on Mental Training, Joy in Fencing & Growth Mindset | Direct Elimination Ep. 6
EPISODE 6 – TRISTAN SZAPARY INTERVIEWThe Fencing Podcast of all Fencing PodcastsIn this episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with épée fencer Tristan Szapary — a rising American talent known for his relentless work ethic, mental focus, and ability to balance ambition with joy.Tristan’s fencing journey began in Pennsylvania, training at Fencing Academy of Phil
Anne Cebula on Olympic Dreams, NCAA Gold & Grit in Women’s Épée | Direct Elimination Ep. 5
🎙️ EPISODE 5 – ANNE CEBULA INTERVIEW In this inspiring episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with Anne Cebula — Olympian, NCAA Champion, and the first Barnard student-athlete ever to win an NCAA title in any sport.Anne’s story is one of grit, resilience, and joy. Unlike many fencers who start at a young age, Anne didn’t pick up a blade until high school — yet
Eli Dershwitz on World Gold, Olympic Lessons & Coaching the Next Gen | Direct Elimination Ep. 4
🎙️ EPISODE 4 – ELI DERSHWITZ INTERVIEWIn this episode of Direct Elimination, Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with one of the greatest American fencers of all time: Eli Dershwitz.Eli’s resume is staggering — World Champion, 3x Olympian, 2x NCAA Champion, Pan-American Champion, and Grand Prix Champion — but what makes this conversation special is the balance of results and reflection. Eli ope
Bryce Louie on NCAA Gold, World Silver & Social Media in Fencing | Direct Elimination Ep. 3
🎙️ EPISODE 3 – BRYCE LOUIE INTERVIEWIn this episode of Direct Elimination, Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart welcome their first foil guest — rising U.S. fencing star Bryce Louie.Bryce has quickly become one of the most exciting figures in American fencing. A 2024 NCAA Champion, a World Cup silver medalist, and a 2025 World Championship team silver medalist, Bryce has already accomplished what many dr
Justin Yoo on Fencing, Finance & Fighting Through Failure | Direct Elimination Ep. 2
🎙️ EPISODE 2 – JUSTIN YOO INTERVIEWIn this episode of Direct Elimination, Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart welcome their first official guest: Justin Yoo — one of the most accomplished U.S. fencers of his generation, a standout on Team USA, a Wharton graduate, a finance professional, and someone who has lived a double life balancing high-performance sport with a demanding career.Justin’s story spans
Why We Fence: Ari Simmons & Stephen Ewart on Purpose & Failure | Direct Elimination Ep. 1
Welcome to the very first episode of the Direct Elimination Podcast — where two lifelong fencers and friends, Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart, sit down to talk about the stories, setbacks, and motivations that define not just athletes, but anyone chasing purpose.🎙️ In this debut, Ari and Stephen get vulnerable and real:Their fencing origin stories — from Lancaster, California parks & rec program
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