British-American right-handed fencer
Miles Chamley-Watson (born December 3, 1989) is a British-American right-handed foil fencer. He is a 13-time team Pan American champion, 2019 team world champion, 2013 individual world champion, three-time Olympian, and 2016 team Olympic bronze medalist.
Childhood.
Chamley-Watson was born in London. He is of Jamaican, Irish, British, and Malawian descent. He spent the first eight years of his life as a resident of the United Kingdom until he and his family moved to New York City. He began fencing at the Knox School in Saint James, New York. After spending four years in New York, Chamley-Watson and his family settled in Philadelphia.
College career.
Chamley-Watson earned a degree in sports management from Pennsylvania State University in 2012.
Freshman year (2008–2009).
Chamley-Watson maintained a 19–4 record during his first year as an NCAA fencer. He was defeated in the semifinals 15–14 by Nicholas Chinman. The Penn State fencing team were the 2008–2009 National Team Champions.
Sophomore year (2009–2010).
Chamley-Watson was defeated in the semifinals by Gerek Meinhardt of Notre Dame.
Junior year (2010–2011).
During his junior season, Chamley-Watson had the choice to either redshirt his junior or senior season. He decided to compete in the NCAA Championships his junior year and redshirt during his senior season. He finished in second place in the championship tournament.
Senior year (2011–2012).
Chamley-Watson was a redshirt during his senior season. He earned a spot on the 2012 United States Olympic Fencing team as a foil fencer.
International career.
Chamley-Watson entered the 2012 Summer Olympics as the No. 2 ranked foil fencer. His first round in the games he was presented a bye into the next round. In the second round, Chamley-Watson fenced Alaaeldin Abouelkassem, an opponent representing the country of Egypt, and was defeated 15 – 10. Abouelkassem went on to earn the silver medal in the event. In the team event, the United States beat France 45–39 in the quarterfinals, but lost 24–45 to Italy in the semi-final. In the bronze medal fight, the United States lost 27–45 to Germany.
At the 2013 World Championships, Chamley-Watson became the first male US fencer to win an individual gold medal at the World Championships.
At the 2016 Olympics, Chamley-Watson again lost in the second round, this time to Russia's Artur Akhmatkhuzin, 13–15. In the team event, the United States beat Egypt 45–27 in the quarterfinals, before losing 41–45 to Russia in the semi-finals. In the bronze medal match, the United States beat Italy 45–31.
At the 2024 Olympics, Chamley-Watson competed as the fourth member of the American team, only competing in the team event and not the individual event. In the team event, the United States beat Egypt 45–35 in the quarterfinals, but lost 38–45 to Italy in the semi-finals. In the bronze medal match, the United States lost 32–45 to France.
Signature move.
During a match in his World Championships debut, Chamley-Watson wrapped his arm around the back of his head and struck his opponent in the chest with his foil. It was the first time a fencer had ever used this kind of behind-the-back flick in a competition. Unsure of its legality, the referee stopped the match to check the move on video replay. After it was determined to be legitimate, Chamley-Watson was awarded his own signature fencing move, eponymously named 'the Chamley-Watson'.
Modeling.
Growing up, Chamley-Watson was engaged in the fashion world by his mother, Elizabeth Chamley who was formerly a model in the UK. In addition to his interest in fashion, Chamley-Watson was motivated to begin modeling as a way to give the sport of fencing more exposure.
When Chamley-Watson was 17-years-old, he was scouted by Ford Models while walking on the street in New York City. However, he told the agency that he was going to college soon and couldn’t sign with them. A few years later, when Chamley-Watson redshirted his senior year of college to prepare for the Olympics, he took the opportunity to also begin modeling on the side. From there, Chamley-Watson’s modeling career grew.
In 2017, Chamley-Watson signed with IMG Models, and is still currently represented by them.
Sponsorships and partnerships.
Chamley-Watson is currently sponsored by Red Bull, Nike, Richard Mille, and Cash App. He wears his sponsors’ logos on his fencing equipment—on his mask, glove, and jacket. Additionally, he regularly wears a Richard Mille watch and Nike fencing shoes and socks at competitions, as well as a Red Bull cap in between matches and on podiums.
Chamley-Watson is also sponsored by Absolute Fencing Gear, who supply all of the fencing equipment for his training and competitions.
As the most followed fencer in the world, Chamley-Watson frequently uses his social media to post about his sponsorships, and to also post about new and recurring partnerships. He is currently partnered with Mercedes-Benz, Dior, Michael Kors, Dita Eyewear, and DKNY.
Injury.
In March 2021, during the Doha Grand Prix, Chamley-Watson suffered an injury during a match when his right knee was hit by his opponent’s foil, causing severe blunt trauma to the knee cap and almost breaking it. His knee injury caused him to be out for the remainder of the season and, consequently, miss the 2020 Summer Olympics. Chamley-Watson spent the following months recovering.
This was the first injury of Chamley-Watson’s career.
Personal life.
Chamley-Watson has been involved in voters' rights, participating the ID check with VoteRiders and urging his followers to do the same.
References.
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