Support Team USA’s First Black National Fencing Coach

Dear friends, family, and fencing enthusiasts,

I hope this message finds you well. As many of you already know, I am honored to serve as the United States Men's Saber Team national coach, and our team is competing for the gold in both team and individual events at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. As an Olympian, I would like to share this experience with my family this time, knowing that their support will help propel me and the team forward.

While the journey to the Olympics is a dream come true, it comes with its own set of challenges, including the logistical and financial aspects of bringing my family along to share in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The support and presence of my loved ones mean the world to me, and I am reaching out to you for help in making this possible.

This GoFundMe campaign is intended help raise funds to help offset the expenses associated with bringing my wife, and our four beautiful children to Paris. Your generous contributions will go towards airfare, accommodation, meals, and other essential needs during our stay.

Any amount you can contribute will make a significant impact and bring us one step closer to having my family present to share in the joy and excitement of the Olympic experience.

In addition to financial support, your words of encouragement mean a lot to us. Please consider sharing our GoFundMe campaign on your social media platforms and with your networks to help spread the word.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Your support goes beyond the fencing strip. We are grateful for your generosity, and we look forward to having you with us in spirit as we aim for Olympic gold in Paris.

Warm regards,

Akhnaten “Akhi” Spencer-EL, OLY 00’

United States Men's Saber Team National Coach

About Akhi

Akhnaten "Akhi" Spencer-EL has emerged as a prominent figure in the world of fencing, notably, holding the distinction of being the first Black National Coach in USA Fencing history. With an illustrious career spanning over a decade, his impact on the sport is marked by a string of impressive accomplishments and a commitment to fostering talent at various levels. In 2023, his recent achievements included winning a bronze medal at the Team Event during the 2023 World Championships in Milan, Italy, and securing a gold medal at the World Cup Team event at the Algeria World Cup. Upon assuming the role of National Coach in 2022, Akhi has elevated the USA Men’s saber team from 6th to 2nd place in world rankings.

Since 2008, Akhi has been the Sabre coach at the New York Fencers Club, in collaboration with the renowned Peter Westbrook Foundation (PWF). His coaching prowess shines through in the success of his students, many of whom have clinched medals at the Cadet, Junior, and Senior levels. Prominently, Olympic medalists Ibtihaj Muhammad, Daryl Homer, Olympian Khalil Thompson, and 2020 Olympic hopeful and 2016 National Champion, Kamali Thompson stand among those who have flourished under his guidance.

Adding to his coaching portfolio, Akhi has been at the helm of the Columbia University Sabre team since 2013. His leadership for the men’s and women’s saber squads played a pivotal role in securing NCAA titles for the team in 2015, 2016, and 2019, showcasing his ability to inspire excellence at the collegiate level.

Akhi's influence extends beyond national borders. In 2015, he led the U.S. National Women’s Saber team at the Toronto Pan American Games, and in 2011, he guided both the men’s and women’s teams at the same event in Guadalajara, further solidifying his standing as a coach of international caliber.

Armed with a Master’s degree in physical education from Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary, where he graduated with honors, Akhi brings a depth of knowledge and expertise to his coaching endeavors.

As a competitive fencer, Akhi’s journey began in 1994 at the Peter Westbrook Foundations’ (PWF) after-school program. Evolving quickly into a competitive force on the national and international circuit, he represented the United States on several teams from cadet through senior levels as well as representing the US at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Now serving as an alumnus of the PWF program, Spencer-El remains deeply connected to his roots, actively coaching in its Saturday program and overseeing the overall development and programming of its current athletes, helping them to achieve their dreams of becoming future competitive fencer’s and Olympians.

Cover photo: Mike Dote