I started fencing when I was nine and have been dedicated to being one of the world’s best fencers since I can remember. I’ve made history individually and with my team, earning multiple World Championship titles and two Olympic berths. Because sports operate on a pay-to-play model, none of this would have been possible without access to elite coaching through the Peter Westbrook Foundation. This gift allowed me to become a globally recognized Olympic athlete and the blessings have followed.
I have always wanted to replicate this path for more young people like myself. I believe every child should experience the life-changing power of sport and have the option to play to their full potential.
A Conversation with Anneliese M. Bruner, Great-granddaughter of Tulsa Massacre Survivor
In early 2019, I developed a debilitating hip condition, and a few months later I prematurely retired from a life-long career of competitive fencing. Since retiring, every day has been a whirlwind of self-discovery. I’m often re-introducing myself to myself, trying to understand my core. In this acclimation process, I’m maintaining the Olympism character enabled by sport.
From left to right: Young Nzingha, Epi and Irma, fencing. / Courtesy of Nzingha Prescod
Olympism is “a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole of the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seems to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good examples and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.” As a leader and purposeful doer, I’m exploring all options and figuring out the best way to continue a life of sport and impact, commonly known as “athlete activism.”
Inspiring excellence through the discipline of sport and expanding its access for the Black community has always been on my agenda. There is no question that sport enhances physical, mental and emotional capabilities. Qualities derived from sport equip individuals with the skills to be exceptional. Simultaneously, it can afford athletes of disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to economically mobilize through academic, professional and networking opportunities. When I approached my college education at Columbia, I wanted to prepare myself for this conversation of equitable sport because it’s such a powerful resource for multi-dimensional development.
In 2020, I decided to pivot my role in the sports world from fencer to change-maker. I now actively use my platform and influence to empower the youth in my community through programming and policy. Both are important tools for change. With the help of my network, I launched Fencing in the Park, a non-profit (501(c)(3) status pending) initiative that provides programming and creates a pathway into the sport that changed my life. It’s beautiful to see young kids from my neighborhood enjoying the sport.
