Olympic Fencer Peter Westbrook Dies at 72

Peter Westbrook, the groundbreaking Olympic fencer and founder of the Peter Westbrook Foundation, passed away at the age of 72 on December 1, 2024, after a two-year battle with liver cancer. He made history in 1984 as the first African American and Asian American to win an Olympic medal in fencing, securing a bronze in the individual saber at the Los Angeles Games. Westbrook's influence extended beyond his athletic achievements; he dedicated his life to mentoring underserved youth through his foundation, which he established in 1991 to promote fencing and academic opportunities. Over his six Olympic appearances, he became a symbol of diversity in a sport traditionally dominated by white Europeans, earning accolades that drew comparisons to legends like Arthur Ashe. His legacy includes not just his own accomplishments, but also the development of numerous Olympians through his coaching efforts. The fencing community mourns his loss, recognizing his significant impact on the sport and future generations of athletes.