This U.S. Fencer Is Named After a Warrior Queen—and It Shows | Short Film Showcase

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·Nov 11, 2024

I don't like to fight people, but you can't get by without fighting. My mom named me after Queen Ninga from Angola; she was a warrior queen. I met Peter Westbrook when I was nine. Peter Westbrook is a legend in US fencing. He fenced at a time when black fencers were banned from the New York Athletic Club and started a foundation to introduce inner city kids to fencing.

I never felt out of place. There are a lot of people who don't get the chance to learn discipline. I learned it at an early age. My mom used to make me do push-ups in the kitchen when I got in trouble. I wouldn't want to leave the sport without something that represented how much of my energy I put into it.

Fencing's always on my mind. When I fence the best, I visualize it, talking myself through the B. Touch by touch, work for one touch. Don't hesitate; make sure your steps are slow. Push, pull, close the distance, take the place, pressure, release. It can be hard to find motivation to do this every day.

I wasn't around all those people from my club that were on national teams and Olympic teams, and I saw what they were doing. I saw how hard they were training. I saw them bring back medals. It's your responsibility to give back.

Last one, if I were to medal at the Olympics, it would show so many little kids that just because you're underrepresented somewhere or you don't see someone that looks like you doing this, doesn't mean it's impossible. A product of all of Peter's love.

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This U.S. Fencer Is Named After a Warrior Queen—and It Shows | Short Film Showcase

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