Eli Dershwitz on World Gold, Olympic Lessons & Coaching the Next Gen | Direct Elimination Ep. 4

Direct Elimination Podcast

🎙️ EPISODE 4 – ELI DERSHWITZ INTERVIEW
In 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 opens up about his career highs, his Olympic heartbreaks, and his next chapter as he takes over his home club, Zeta Fencing.
You’ll hear:
Eli’s fencing origin story, following his brother into the sport in Massachusetts.
The moment that changed everything: losing at Junior Worlds in 2014 and deciding to outwork everyone.
What it meant to become a senior World Champion in Milan (2023).
Honest reflections on three Olympic Games — and the toughest losses that still stick with him.
His coaching philosophy as he takes over Zeta: “building pyramids” with strong foundations in discipline, footwork, and character.
What he’s learned about resilience, gratitude, and preparation at the highest level.
The importance of staying mentally present in practice and in life.
His life outside fencing: hiking with his fiancée and dog, Boston sports fandom, and smoked meats.
This episode is about more than fencing titles. It’s about legacy, perspective, and why one of America’s best is now focused on building the future.
⏱ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & banter
02:00 – Eli’s resume highlights
04:00 – Fencing origin story & brother’s influence
10:00 – The all-in moment at Junior Worlds 2014
14:00 – Learning to redefine success and maturity
18:00 – “Why behind the win” — what fuels Eli
25:00 – Coaching philosophy & buying Zeta Fencing
32:00 – Training habits and preparation details
35:00 – World Championship gold in Milan (2023)
43:00 – Reflections on three Olympic Games
50:00 – Life outside fencing: hiking, Boston sports, balance
53:00 – One Light Answers rapid-fire segment
59:00 – Closing thoughts & thanks
💬 Key Quotes
“I wasn’t sure if I had what it takes to be the best — but I knew I’d never be outworked.”
“World champion for a day. The next day, you start from scratch.”
“Sometimes the difference is just being mentally present — in practice and in life.”
“If you don’t know how to lose, you can’t last in this sport.”
“Coaching isn’t just about results — it’s about shaping people for life.”

Thank you for listening!

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