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(TJV NEWS) Eli Dershwitz, a Jewish fencer, achieved a historic victory at the World Fencing Championships held in Milan, Italy. He made history by becoming the first American man to win an individual title in sabre. The 27-year-old athlete, who is also a two-time Olympian and the grandson of Holocaust survivors, displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, Boston Globe reported.
In the final match, Dershwitz defeated the No. 1-ranked fencer, Sandro Bazadze, with an impressive score of 15-6, claiming the sabre title. However, it was his semifinal victory that truly stood out. Despite facing Áron Szilágyi, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and the reigning world champion, Dershwitz made an incredible comeback from a 10-4 deficit to secure his place in the final round.
Expressing his excitement and dedication to his sport, Dershwitz stated that he had been working tirelessly towards this moment and the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, hoping to make it his successful third appearance at the Games.
Dershwitz’s passion for fencing began early in life, and he celebrated his bar mitzvah at the Conservative Temple Israel in Natick, Massachusetts. During his time at Harvard University, he continued to excel in fencing. In 2017, he won two gold medals at the Maccabiah Games in Israel, proudly representing his heritage.
Having already represented the United States in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, Dershwitz remains determined to achieve Olympic success in his future endeavors. He expressed his pride in being a Jewish-American Olympic athlete and acknowledged the unwavering support he received from the Jewish community throughout his journey to the Olympics.
