A New York City fencing club is helping to advance the next generation of Olympic athletes. The club’s founder has some Olympic experience himself, winning a silver medal at the Games in Beijing. NBC New York’s Melissa Colorado reports.
Twenty-eight-year old fencer Eli Dershwitz has trained tirelessly for this moment.
The 2023 World Fencing Champion from the Big Apple is representing Team USA in the Paris Summer Olympics.
“I would like to come home with an Olympic medal,” he said.
“The few weeks leading up to the Olympics is all about maintenance, maintaining your physical and mental well-being,” Dershwitz added.
The Grand Palais, a historic and iconic monument, will be hosting the fencing competitions.
“Competing in the Grand Palais is like a dream come true. I think it’s one of the most beautiful venues in the world and I just want to make sure that I really take in these special moments,” Dershwitz said.
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Dershwitz has already competed in the Rio and Tokyo Summer Olympics. That previous experience has shaped how he is mentally preparing to compete in Paris.
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“I think the biggest thing for me mentally is staying away from expectations,” Dershwitz said.
“When it comes to my mental preparation this time, [I’m] trying not to think about the results, trying really hard not to think about medals.”
