In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony welcomes Samuel Rightler, a rising star in men’s sabre for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Fresh off a silver medal finish in Division I Men’s Sabre at the 2024 U.S. Fencing National Championships in Milwaukee — where he faced Olympic medalist Eli Dershwitz in the final — Samuel reflects on his journey from Plain City, Ohio, to becoming one of the top collegiate and national sabre fencers in the country. Don and Samuel dive into the training, mindset, and preparation that led to his breakout performance, as well as his success during his first two seasons at Ohio State — including top finishes at the NCAA Regionals, CCFC Championships, and OSU Open. They also discuss the academic side of being a Buckeye athlete, with Samuel majoring in Construction Systems Management and earning recognition as an Academic All-Big Ten honoree, USFCA Scholar of Distinction, and two-time Ohio State Scholar-Athlete. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about discipline, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence — both on and off the strip — with one of collegiate fencing’s brightest young competitors.
