The Swordsport Podcast

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—what that moment was actually like, what led up to it, and what it means to be part of a small group of Buckeyes to win an individual title. She also shares how competing for Mexico has shaped her approach to fencing and competition. Julieta adds her perspective as someone who’s been there before. As an Olympian for Mexico and now a coach, she talks about what it’s like to support athletes like Natalia, and how her own experience influences the way she connects with the team. It’s a really grounded conversation about fencing, growth, and the relationship between athlete and coach—especially when they’ve walked a similar path.

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 international fencing to the NCAA level, and what it takes to compete in one of the most demanding collegiate fencing programs in the country. The conversation also highlights Carter’s impressive early success, including capturing the 2026 Central Collegiate Fencing Conference (CCFC) individual championship in men’s sabre, a major milestone in his freshman campaign

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 dive into his development as an athlete, including his breakout junior success as a U20 European Championships bronze medalist, his OSU Open title, and the strong dual records that have defined his Ohio State seasons. They revisit highlights such as his dominant 14–1 freshman dual record, his undefeated performance at the CCFC Championships, and his steady impact during invitationals and conference events.

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 the top collegiate and national sabre fencers in the country. Don and Samuel dive into the training, mindset, and preparation that led to his breakout performance, as well as his success during his first two seasons at Ohio State — including top finishes at the NCAA Regionals, CCFC Championships, and OSU Open. They also discuss the academic side of being a Buckeye athlete, with Samuel majoring in Construction Systems Management and earning recognition as an Academic All-Big Ten honoree, USFCA Scholar of Distinction, and two-time Ohio State Scholar-Athlete. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about discipline, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence — both on and off the strip — with one of collegiate fencing’s brightest young competitors.

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 at the national level. They also reflect on what it means to represent Ohio State on the strip, the support of her teammates and coaches, and her goals beyond the NCAA tournament. Whether you're a fencing enthusiast or simply love stories of perseverance and focus, this episode offers insight into the making of a top-tier athlete and student. Tune in to hear how Raiyan is preparing for the biggest stage of college fencing—and what drives her pursuit of excellence.

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 recognized as a three-time Ohio State Scholar-Athlete and USFCA Scholar of Distinction. Beyond her athletic achievements, Claire has excelled academically, earning B1G Distinguished Scholar honors in 2023 and participating in the Bucks Go Pro internship program, where she worked at Nationwide Children's Hospital. In their conversation, Claire reflects on her journey in fencing, from her beginnings at Redstar Fencing Club to her collegiate career at Ohio State. She shares insights into balancing the demands of being a student-athlete, her experiences competing at high-level tournaments, and her aspirations for the future. Additionally, Claire discusses her involvement in mental health advocacy, including her contributions to Erika’s Lighthouse blog and managing the @sicperikaslighthouse Instagram account.Join us for an inspiring discussion that delves into the dedication, resilience, and passion that define Claire's fencing career and personal endeavors.

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 honors. Dasha shares insights into her journey, from her early fencing days to competing on some of the biggest stages in the sport. She reflects on her growth as an athlete, balancing academic excellence with elite competition, and what drives her to continually push the limits of her performance. As they dive into the culture of OSU fencing, Dasha offers her perspective on team camaraderie, leadership, and the mental resilience required to excel in both collegiate and international competition. With a track record of success and a hunger for more, she provides a glimpse into what’s next for her in the sport. Tune in to hear an inspiring conversation with one of the most accomplished young fencers in the game. Whether you're an athlete, a fencing fan, or someone looking for motivation, this episode is a must-listen! 🤺🔥 #SwordSport #Fencing #GoBuckeyes

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 unique story of how they first met on the youth fencing circuit—a meeting that would eventually lead them to become teammates and lifelong friends at OSU. With candid insights into the highs and lows of collegiate fencing, they discuss the evolution of their skills, the camaraderie that has fueled their success, and the lessons learned along the way . Tune in to hear an authentic conversation about dedication, friendship, and the passion for epee that continues to drive these two remarkable athletes as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Whether you're a seasoned fencer or a newcomer to the sport, this episode offers valuable perspectives on teamwork, resilience, and pursuing excellence in fencing.

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. Mik reflects on his shared history with Peter, recalling their days training together as young fencers at New York University, where Mik earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television. A two-time NCAA All-American, Eastern Collegiate Individual Sabre Champion, and part of NYU’s 1976 NCAA Team Fencing Championship squad, Mik also holds a Junior National Individual Sabre Fencing title. Drawing on these achievements and memories, he recounts the remarkable spirit, sportsmanship, and dedication that defined Peter’s extraordinary journey. Tune in for an intimate conversation celebrating Peter Westbrook’s enduring influence on the sport of fencing, his unwavering commitment to excellence, and the countless lives he touched along the way. This episode is a reminder of the vibrant community and bonds forged through passion, perseverance, and a shared love of the blade.

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 early days training at NJ Fencing Alliance to his transformative years at OSU.Insights into the mental challenges of collegiate fencing and how Nolan has developed resilience and focus to thrive under pressure.Highlights from this season’s early competitions, including memorable matchups against Harvard and Northwestern, and how they’ve shaped the Buckeyes’ trajectory.A candid discussion on the importance of teamwork, camaraderie, and overcoming the distractions that can derail even the most talented teams.A preview of the key competitions ahead, including the Saint John's and Philadelphia duals, and the high-stakes regional qualifiers.Nolan also shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of college fencing, the rising parity among teams, and the mental discipline required to succeed in this uniquely individual and team-oriented sport. With a mix of humor, wisdom, and passion, he reflects on his growth as both an athlete and a leader

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 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. 🤺🇫🇷✨