Direct Elimination Podcast
The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.
Hosted by Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart, two elite U.S. fencers chasing Olympic dreams, Direct Elimination goes beyond the strip to uncover the stories, ups and downs that shape athletes. Each episode brings you conversations with fencers, Olympians, and sports leaders who share the mental battles, personal growth, and cultural shifts behind their journeys.
This isn’t just a fencing podcast. It’s about resilience, mindset, and purpose. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan of Olympic sports, or simply someone chasing excellence in life, you’ll find stories here that resonate.
🎙️ Topics we explore:
The mindset of world-class athletes
Failure, resilience, and comeback stories
NCAA & Olympic fencing insights
The role of social media, culture, and community in sports
Why athletes do what they do — and what keeps them fighting
📌 Subscribe for episodes that deliver real talk, laughs, and lessons — straight from the fencing strip to your headphones.
Direct Elimination Podcast
Nick Itkin on Olympic Bronze, Self Improvement & Pushing Limits | Direct Elimination Ep. 8
🎙️ EPISODE 8 – NICK ITKIN INTERVIEW
In this special episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with one of the brightest stars in world fencing: Nick Itkin — Olympic bronze medalist, World Champion, NCAA Champion, and a name that has redefined what American foil can be.
Nick’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and relentless pursuit of growth. From dominating the NCAA circuit with Notre Dame, to climbing World Cup podiums, to standing on the Olympic stage in both Tokyo and Paris, he has proven himself at every level of competition. But what stands out most is his mentality: a balance of confidence, humility, and the belief that he can always push further.
You’ll hear:
- Nick’s origin story, growing up with fencing as family tradition (his father coaches at LA International Fencing).
- The decision to go “all-in” on fencing and what it took to make the leap.
- Behind-the-scenes lessons from the Olympic journey.
- His journey to becoming a World Champion and the mental adjustments required at the highest stage.
- How he balances pressure, self-belief, and constant growth.
- The routines, rituals, and mindsets that allow him to compete with consistency.
- Thoughts on leadership, role models, and inspiring the next generation of U.S. fencers.
- Why chasing joy in the process matters more than chasing medals.
Nick is a reminder that success is not a destination but a mindset. Whether on the Olympic stage or in daily training, he represents the new era of U.S. fencing.
🗣️ “If you want to learn about pushing yourself to be greater than you know, this episode is for you.”
🗣️ "When I step on the strip, I always believe there’s another level I can reach."
⏱ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & sponsor note
00:00:48 – Introduction & recap of last episode
00:05:36 – Early background and origin story
00:09:17 – Nick’s all-in moment
00:12:24 – Breaking onto the senior team / the “God Squad”
00:22:09 – Success: how did you do it?
00:34:57 – The Nick Itkin Foundation
00:51:00 – SEGMENT: One-Light Answers (rapid fire)
1:04:00 – Closing reflections & gratitude
đź’¬ Key Quotes
- “If you want to learn about pushing yourself to be greater than you know, this episode is for you.”
- “It wasn’t about proving people wrong — it was about proving to myself that I could stand on that stage.”
Thank you for listening!
đź”— Connect with Us
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