Direct Elimination Podcast

• Tristan Szapary on Mental Training, Joy in Fencing & Growth Mindset | Direct Elimination Ep. 6

  EPISODE 6 – TRISTAN SZAPARY INTERVIEWThe Fencing Podcast of all Fencing PodcastsIn this episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with épée fencer Tristan Szapary — a rising American talent known for his relentless work ethic, mental focus, and ability to balance ambition with joy.Tristan’s fencing journey began in Pennsylvania, training at Fencing Academy of Philadelphia and later competing at the highest levels of NCAA fencing with Princeton. As a member of Team USA, he has represented the country on the international stage, earning medals and respect as one of the brightest prospects in U.S. épée. But beyond results, Tristan is driven by something deeper: the pursuit of becoming the best version of himself — on and off the strip.Throughout the conversation, Ari, Stephen, and Tristan dive into:How he discovered fencing and fell in love with the sportThe influence of family, community, and early coaches in shaping his pathThe importance of mental training and how mindset can be the difference-maker in competitionHis “all-in” moment — when he committed fully to chasing greatnessHow he balances fencing, school, and personal life without losing the joy of the sportWhy fencing’s culture of resilience and self-expression matters for athletes todayFun behind-the-scenes stories from training, travel, and the épée squadTristan’s story is a reminder that fencing is about more than medals. It’s about finding joy in the grind, using challenges as fuel, and embracing the fight to grow.🗣️ “If you enjoy learning how training your mentality can improve your game, how to maximize the enjoyment of what you do, and how to pursue becoming the best version of yourself — this episode’s for you.”⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & sponsor shoutout 02:00 – Introducing Tristan Szapary 05:00 – Early days at Main Line Fencing Club 10:00 – Discovering the mental side of fencing 16:00 – The “Why Behind the Win” segment 22:00 – Tristan’s all-in moment 28:00 – Training, school, and balance 35:00 – Joy vs. pressure in elite fencing 42:00 – Team USA experiences & international bouts 50:00 – Lessons from setbacks and growth mindset 56:00 – One Light Answers (rapid fire) 1:02:00 – Closing reflections & gratitude💬 Key Quotes“You can train your body, but if you don’t train your mind, you’re missing half the game.”“I always come back to joy — if you’re not enjoying it, what’s the point?”“Becoming the best version of yourself is the real victory.”Thank you for listening! 🔗 Connect with Us🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://link.me/directeliminationpodcast📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directeliminationpodcast/📺 Subscribe for more episodes: youtube.com/@directeliminationpodcast

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• Anne Cebula on Olympic Dreams, NCAA Gold & Grit in Women’s Épée | Direct Elimination Ep. 5

  🎙️ EPISODE 5 – ANNE CEBULA INTERVIEW In this inspiring episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with Anne Cebula — Olympian, NCAA Champion, and the first Barnard student-athlete ever to win an NCAA title in any sport.Anne’s story is one of grit, resilience, and joy. Unlike many fencers who start at a young age, Anne didn’t pick up a blade until high school — yet within just five years she was competing internationally and representing Team USA at the highest level. Along the way, she made NCAA history and became a fan favorite in the fencing community for her authenticity, energy, and smile.You’ll hear:How watching the 2008 Beijing Olympics (and Keeth Smart’s dramatic saber bout) sparked her passion for fencing.Why she waited years to start fencing — and how a free high school club opened the door.The uphill battle of limited resources and training on mayonnaise-stained gym floors.Her rapid rise: from Brooklyn Tech to Barnard to NCAA Champion.What it meant to become the first Barnard athlete ever to win an NCAA title.Her experiences on the U.S. National Team, World Cups, and World Championships.Learning from coaches Kornel Udvarhelyi and Sergey Danilov, and the importance of mentors like her PT and training partners.Balancing life as a fencer, student, Olympian, model, and young professional.Taking a step back after the Paris Olympics — and rediscovering her love for training and purpose.Why fencing is about more than medals: it’s about the process, the team behind the athlete, and the lifelong joy of growth.🗣️ “It costs nothing to be an optimist.” 🗣️ “From day one, my why was the Olympics — but really, I fell in love with the process.”This is a story about chasing an improbable dream — and finding yourself along the way.⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & sponsor shoutout 02:00 – Why we started the podcast 03:00 – Introducing Anne Cebula 06:00 – Beijing 2008: the spark to fence 10:00 – High school fencing at Brooklyn Tech 15:00 – Rapid rise: first national teams 20:00 – Transfer to Barnard & Columbia 26:00 – Junior Worlds & learning from failure 28:00 – NCAA Championships: making history 34:00 – The “Why” behind the fight 37:00 – Shoutouts to family, coaches & support team 44:00 – Balancing fencing with modeling & work 52:00 – Life after Paris Olympics 59:00 – One Light Answers (rapid fire) 1:03:00 – Closing thoughts & gratitude💬 Key Quotes“My goal from the jump was the Olympics — before I even picked up a weapon.”“My style was horrendous, but it came from figuring it out on my own.”“Sometimes success isn’t about winning — it’s just about staying on the strip as long as you can.”“Coaches came into my life at the right time — and gave me the space to be myself.”“Fencing was never torture for me. It was joy.”Thank you for listening! 🔗 Connect with Us🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://link.me/directeliminationpodcast📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directeliminationpodcast/📺 Subscribe for more episodes: youtube.com/@directeliminationpodcast

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

  🎙️ EPISODE 4 – ELI DERSHWITZ INTERVIEWIn 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.⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & banter02:00 – Eli’s resume highlights04:00 – Fencing origin story & brother’s influence10:00 – The all-in moment at Junior Worlds 201414:00 – Learning to redefine success and maturity18:00 – “Why behind the win” — what fuels Eli25:00 – Coaching philosophy & buying Zeta Fencing32:00 – Training habits and preparation details35:00 – World Championship gold in Milan (2023)43:00 – Reflections on three Olympic Games50:00 – Life outside fencing: hiking, Boston sports, balance53:00 – One Light Answers rapid-fire segment59:00 – 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! 🔗 Connect with Us🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://link.me/directeliminationpodcast📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directeliminationpodcast/📺 Subscribe for more episodes: youtube.com/@directeliminationpodcast

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• Bryce Louie on NCAA Gold, World Silver & Social Media in Fencing | Direct Elimination Ep. 3

  🎙️ EPISODE 3 – BRYCE LOUIE INTERVIEWIn this episode of Direct Elimination, Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart welcome their first foil guest — rising U.S. fencing star Bryce Louie.Bryce has quickly become one of the most exciting figures in American fencing. A 2024 NCAA Champion, a World Cup silver medalist, and a 2025 World Championship team silver medalist, Bryce has already accomplished what many dream of before even finishing college. But beyond the medals, Bryce has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most authentic and entertaining personalities, bringing fencing to a new generation through his unapologetic presence on social media.You’ll hear:Bryce’s origin story — from growing up in LAFC, inspired by his brother Brennan (Philippine national team) to carving his own name in the sport.Making history as the first Filipino American NCAA Champion in over 27 years at UPenn.What it meant to win with his brother Brennan as his assistant coach.His journey from being overlooked to becoming a World Championship medalist.The viral social media moments that put him on the map — and the balance between authenticity and competition.Lessons from setbacks: missing teams, doubters, and bouncing back stronger.Why he believes fencing needs more fun, creativity, and energy — from celebrations to self-expression.His philosophy of getting 1% better every day and inspiring the next generation to embrace their true selves.This is fencing as you’ve never heard it — equal parts mindset, culture, and laughs. Bryce embodies the next wave of the sport: talented, unapologetic, and ready to inspire.⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Episode setup02:00 – Welcoming Bryce Louie04:00 – Bryce’s fencing origin story10:00 – Missing cadet team & the turning point18:00 – Why he continues to choose fencing today25:00 – NCAA gold & Filipino American representation32:00 – Making the U.S. senior national team40:00 – Training with legends & joining Team USA’s “god squad”45:00 – Relationship with his brother Brennan as coach/mentor50:00 – Social media, authenticity, and target on his back1:00:00 – Rapid Fire: “One Light Answers”1:05:00 – Closing lessons & gratitude💬 Key Quotes“When I won NCAA’s, I felt like I was living my immigrant grandfather’s wildest dream.”“You can either get through it, or you can get better.”“Fencing needs more fun — just like the NBA or NFL, we need celebrations and creativity.”“I want to inspire kids to be unapologetically themselves, on and off the strip.”Thank you for listening! 🔗 Connect with Us🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://link.me/directeliminationpodcast📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directeliminationpodcast/📺 Subscribe for more episodes: youtube.com/@directeliminationpodcast

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• Justin Yoo on Fencing, Finance & Fighting Through Failure | Direct Elimination Ep. 2

  🎙️ EPISODE 2 – JUSTIN YOO INTERVIEWIn this episode of Direct Elimination, Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart welcome their first official guest: Justin Yoo — one of the most accomplished U.S. fencers of his generation, a standout on Team USA, a Wharton graduate, a finance professional, and someone who has lived a double life balancing high-performance sport with a demanding career.Justin’s story spans more than medals. From violin to tennis to fencing, from cadet and junior world championships to the senior international stage, and from late nights in Excel to early mornings on strip, Justin has learned what it means to commit fully — and to find joy in the fight.You’ll hear:Justin’s origin story in fencing, including his time in the legendary LA “G-Unit” training crew.His all-in moment — and why, in truth, fencing is a series of recommitments.The experience of competing at seven World Championships, and why Tbilisi, Georgia stood out.How he balances a career in finance with training at the New York Athletic Club.His philosophy on motivation vs. purpose, and why gratitude keeps him grounded.Why fencing is moving into a new era of creativity and improvisation.Stories of feeding stray dogs in Georgia, hitting friends in practice, and training with U.S. greats.This is more than a fencing interview. It’s about balancing ambition, identity, and purpose — and about why someone chooses to keep fighting even when life makes it hard.⏱  Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Episode setup02:00 – Introducing Justin Yoo04:00 – World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia10:00 – Team USA growth and culture14:00 – Career-best season: beating world champions20:00 – Rituals, presence, and mindset shifts25:00 – Justin’s fencing origin story32:00 – Training in LA with the “G-Unit”37:00 – NCAA years at UPenn43:00 – Transition to NYC: finance + fencing50:00 – Coaching influences and training philosophy1:00:00 – Rapid Fire: hardest bout, favorite Excel function, all-time favorite fencers1:03:00 – Closing thoughts & outro💬 Key Quotes“Progress isn’t linear — in fencing or in life.”“If you’re willing to fight as hard as you can, the result doesn’t matter as much.”“You can either get through it, or you can get better.”“Gratitude is the most powerful motivator.”Thank you for listening! 🔗 Connect with Us🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://link.me/directeliminationpodcast📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directeliminationpodcast/📺 Subscribe for more episodes: youtube.com/@directeliminationpodcast

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