Direct Elimination Podcast
The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.
Hosted by Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart, two elite U.S. fencers chasing Olympic dreams, Direct Elimination goes beyond the strip to uncover the stories, ups and downs that shape athletes. Each episode brings you conversations with fencers, Olympians, and sports leaders who share the mental battles, personal growth, and cultural shifts behind their journeys.
This isn’t just a fencing podcast. It’s about resilience, mindset, and purpose. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan of Olympic sports, or simply someone chasing excellence in life, you’ll find stories here that resonate.
🎙️ Topics we explore:
The mindset of world-class athletes
Failure, resilience, and comeback stories
NCAA & Olympic fencing insights
The role of social media, culture, and community in sports
Why athletes do what they do — and what keeps them fighting
📌 Subscribe for episodes that deliver real talk, laughs, and lessons — straight from the fencing strip to your headphones.
Direct Elimination Podcast
Olympic Silver Medalist Daryl Homer: From Podiums to Transcending the Sport | Direct Elimination Ep. 15
🎙️ EPISODE 15 -- DARYL HOMER INTERVIEW
The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.
Olympic silver medalist Daryl Homer reveals the untold story behind his rise from a curious five-year-old in the Bronx to Team USA's fencing podium in Rio. This isn't just another athlete success story – it's a masterclass in long-term planning, identity, and overcoming career-ending setbacks.
You'll hear:
• How discovering fencing in a children's dictionary at age 5 launched an Olympic journey
• The three pivotal "all-in" moments that separated him from other talented fencers
• Why growing up as an African-American fencer in the Bronx shaped his identity and mission
• His revolutionary approach to Olympic planning: why it's a 4-year cycle, not a yearly grind
• The devastating Achilles injury that threatened everything he'd built
• How teaching fencing in Benin, Africa transformed his perspective on sport and identity
• His vision for making elite fencing more professional and accessible
• The role of mentors like Peter Westbrook in building championship-level mindset
• Why sacrifice and commitment matter weigh on you as you age in high-level athletics
From the Peter Westbrook Foundation to the Olympic podium, Homer's journey demonstrates what's possible when talent meets unwavering dedication. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone pursuing excellence in any field, his insights on long-term planning, overcoming adversity, and staying true to your mission will reshape how you approach your goals.
Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway and subscribe for more champion mindset interviews!
⏱ Chapters
00:00:00 – Introduction and Resume
00:03:30 – Origins: Finding Fencing in the Bronx
00:07:50 – Identity and Growing Up in the Sport
00:14:45 – All-In Moments: Commitment to Excellence
00:21:30 – The Passion Behind the Pursuit
00:27:00 – Global Impact: Teaching in Africa
00:34:15 – Long-term Perspective on Athletic Development
00:43:15 – Overcoming Adversity: The Achilles Injury
00:52:35 – Building a Support Team
00:59:40 – Vision for Fencing's Future
01:09:30 – Rapid Fire Questions
01:13:30 – Closing Thoughts
đź’¬ Quotes
* "I love the game. I love the sport. I love the way it challenges me. I love the way it humbles me."
* "It's not really age. It's about how much you're willing to sacrifice and how much you're willing to put on the back burner in your life."
* "Making an Olympic team is like a four year plan. I think a lot of people think that they can just show up during qualification and make it like you might be able to make it, but the reality is a four year plan."
Prieur USA
Website: https://www.prieurusa.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prieur_usa/
Peter Westbrook Foundation
Website: https://www.peterwestbrook.org/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterwestbrookfoundation/
Donate: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?id=1&name=E355212
Thank you for listening!
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