The Swordsport Podcast

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, Don Anthony sits down with Albert Bagdány, a member of the Ohio State fencing team, to talk about his path into the sport and what it’s been like competing at the collegiate level. Albert shares his background, how he got started in fencing, and the transition into a program like Ohio State. They talk through the day-to-day reality of being a student-athl...

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, Don Anthony sits down with Natalia Botello, who’s back on the show, this time joined by Ohio State assistant coach and former Buckeye fencer Julieta Toledo. The conversation is part reflection, part celebration, and part real talk about what it takes to get to the top of the sport. Natalia talks about her recent NCAA National Championship in women’s sabre...

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony sits down with Solin Li, a senior foil fencer for the Ohio State Buckeyes from Beijing, China. One of the most accomplished members of the Buckeye foil squad, Solin reflects on a collegiate career filled with championship performances, academic excellence, and steady growth on the international stage of NCAA fencing. Don and Solin discuss...

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony sits down with Carter Berrio, a freshman sabre fencer for the Ohio State Buckeyes from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Carter has quickly made an impact in his first collegiate season, emerging as one of the rising talents on the Buckeye sabre squad. Don and Carter talk about his journey to Ohio State, the transition from junior and internation...

In this special joint episode of the Swordsport Podcast, Don Anthony sits down with Matthew Bülau and Avin Rai, two veteran Buckeyes whose fencing journeys began on opposite sides of the world and came together at Ohio State. Matthew Bülau, an international standout from Germany, reflects on his path from being ranked No. 1 in his age group for a decade to earning a U20 European Championships bron...

In this episode, Don Anthony sits down with Matthew Bülau, a standout epee fencer from Germany who has become a reliable force for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Matthew shares his journey from the fencing halls of HSB Heidenheimer Sportbund 1846 e. V., where he spent a decade ranked No. 1 in his age group in Germany, to carving out a successful collegiate career in the United States. Don and Matthew di...

In this episode, Don Anthony welcomes Avin Rai, a senior sabre fencer from Massachusetts and one of the pillars of the Ohio State men’s sabre squad. Avin reflects on his path from discovering fencing in a second-grade after-school program to becoming a 2025 NCAA qualifier, First Team All-CCFC honoree, and a consistent top performer at conference and regional championships. Don and Avin dive into t...

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony welcomes Samuel Rightler, a rising star in men’s sabre for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Fresh off a silver medal finish in Division I Men’s Sabre at the 2024 U.S. Fencing National Championships in Milwaukee — where he faced Olympic medalist Eli Dershwitz in the final — Samuel reflects on his journey from Plain City, Ohio, to becoming one of t...

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony sits down with Natalia Botello, an elite sabre fencer from Mexico and a standout member of the Ohio State fencing team. A multiple-time World Cup medalist and Pan American Games champion, Natalia has represented Mexico on the international stage with remarkable success — and now brings her passion and experience to the collegiate circuit...

 In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony welcomes Ohio State foil standout Raiyan Moradi-Bidhendi. Hailing from San Diego, California, Raiyan has had a breakout season for the Buckeyes, earning a coveted spot at the 2025 NCAA Fencing Championships. Don and Raiyan talk about her journey to collegiate fencing, her growth throughout the season, and the mindset it takes to compete...

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony sits down with Ohio State senior foil fencer Ilya Ayupov. Ilya has significantly contributed to the Buckeyes' fencing team, earning accolades such as Honorable Mention All-Region in 2024 and being a two-time Ohio State Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-Big Ten honoree.  The conversation delves into Ilya's journey in fencing, his experience...

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony sits down with Claire Teresa Galavotti, a senior foil fencer for the Ohio State Buckeyes hailing from Oak Park, Illinois. Claire has been a pivotal member of the OSU fencing team, earning accolades such as Second Team All-CCFC and Honorable Mention All-Midwest Region in 2023, and Honorable Mention All-CCFC in 2024. She has also been recog...

Title: Fencing Without Borders: A Conversation with Isaac Ariza Description: In this episode of the SwordSport Podcast, host Don Anthony sits down with Buckeye foil fencer Isaac Ariza, a Miami native who describes his journey through the competitive fencing scene in South Florida to making his mark at Ohio State, Isaac dives into the team culture at OSU, his goals for the season, and how his diver...

In this episode of the SwordSport Podcast, host Don Anthony sits down with one of the brightest stars in collegiate and international fencing—Dasha Myroniuk. A standout foil fencer for Ohio State, Dasha has already amassed an impressive list of achievements, including a gold medal at the U23 European Championships, a silver at the Senior European Championships, and multiple NCAA All-American honor...

In this episode of the SwordSport Podcast, host Don Anthony sits down with two distinguished voices from the OSU fencing team—Graduate student Max Rodney and returning senior Nolan Williams. Max kicks off the episode recounting his personal journey and experiences as he fenced for OSU. Later on, Nolan joins the conversation, and together they dive into the unique culture of the OSU fencing program...

In this episode of the SwordSport Podcast, host Don Anthony sits down with senior epee fencers Miles Weiss and Gabriel Feinberg from Ohio State University. As they gear up for another thrilling season filled with conference championships and the NCAA tournament, Miles and Gabriel reflect on their memorable careers at OSU and the pivotal moments that have shaped their journey. The duo shares their...

In this special tribute episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony continues to celebrate the life and legacy of American fencing legend Peter Westbrook, speaking with one of his closest friends and longtime teammates, Phil Reilly. Phil’s storied history with Peter began when they fenced together at Essex Catholic High School, continued as collegiate competitors—Phil at St. John’s and Pet...

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony commemorates the life and legacy of the late American fencing legend Peter Westbrook, who passed away on November 29, 2024. Joining Don is Mik Benedek—longtime friend, former teammate, and fellow NYU fencing standout—who offers a deeply personal tribute to the iconic athlete who transformed the face of sabre fencing in the United States....

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony pays tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of American fencing icon Peter Westbrook, who sadly passed away on November 29, 2024. Joining Don are two longtime friends and fellow teammates, Robert “Bob” Cottingham and Steve Mormando, who share personal stories and insights about Peter’s profound impact on the sport. Together, they ce...

In this episode of the SwordSport Podcast, host Don Anthony reconnects with Nolan Williams, a fifth-year senior and standout fencer for Ohio State University. As a returning guest, Nolan dives deeper into his experiences as he reflects on his final collegiate fencing season. Together, Don and Nolan explore a variety of engaging topics, including: A look back at Nolan's fencing journey, from his ea...

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 fencin...

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 the...

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...

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...

🎙️ 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 pr...