EXCLUSIVE: Fil-Am Harvard fencer qualifies for Paris 2024 Olympics

BOSTON—From the prestigious halls of Harvard University to the esteemed Olympic fencing piste in Paris, Mitchell Saron is beyond excited to have qualified to compete for the United States at the Paris Olympics in July this year. In an exclusive interview with The Fil-Am Connection, the Fil-Am athlete shares his journey and the pivotal moments leading up to his Olympic dream.

“When you’re at Harvard, you’re encouraged to create a balanced and adaptable lifestyle,” Saron, a senior majoring in economics, said. “The flexibility offered by the university allowed me to weave my academic aspirations and fencing ambitions seamlessly.” He credits the Harvard coaching staff, particularly Daria Schneider, Eli Dershwitz, and Dagmara Wozniak, for helping him build a life that could accommodate his dual pursuits.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unforeseen challenges, but Saron found the silver lining. “Harvard’s transition to online classes and the professors’ understanding nature ensured I could still make the most of my education,” he said, highlighting the institution’s support during such unpredictable times.

The Fil-Am fencer’s Olympic qualification was a moment of disbelief. “It was surreal,” he admits. “My dream since I was nine was becoming a reality. And while it hasn’t fully sunk in yet, I am profoundly grateful to be representing my country and my heritage.”

As a standout player for the Harvard varsity fencing team, the significance of Saron’s victory at the Men’s Sabre World Cup in Budapest cannot be overstated. “It was a crucial gold medal for us as a team,” he states, emphasizing the confidence boost the win provided ahead of the Olympics.

Saron, who earned First-team All-Ivy honors three times – one First-team All-American honor, one Second-team All-American honor, and an individual NCAA title – credits his collegiate fencing experience at Harvard as a key source of confidence.

“It kept my competitive edge sharp and prepared me for the transition to Olympic preparation,” he said, recognizing the invaluable support and mentorship provided by the Harvard fencing program.

Paris will be Saron’s first Olympic Games, and he is optimistic and thankful. “I’m hoping to medal twice!” he said with a smile. “The support from my family, coaches and trainers has been pivotal in reaching this point.”

Throughout the canceled 2020-2021 season, the New Jersey native continued to hone his craft by training with a dedicated group in Boston, including his mentor, Eli Dershwitz. This persistence and adaptability are the hallmarks of his approach to the sport.

Mitchell Saron: “When you look to build your future, you can draw strength from your past. I’m so grateful to get to represent my family and continue the legacy.” CONTRIBUTED

Saron’s journey through Harvard and NCAA competitions has been instrumental in his development as an Olympic athlete. The combination of collegiate fencing and international junior fencing provided him with a unique blend of experiences to prepare for the Olympic stage.

To his fans and the fencing community, Saron offers this heartfelt advice: “Take risks and chase what you truly want. Seize opportunities when they come your way, and trust in yourself, your beliefs and your dreams.”

As an athlete with a diverse background, Saron aims to inspire young fencers from all walks of life. “You decide if you belong somewhere,” he said. “Passion and hard work are the keys to achieving your goals.”

On what keeps him motivated, Saron looks to his past self and the support of his loved ones. “I owe it to that nine-year-old with big dreams, and to everyone who’s supported me, to give my hardest work every day.”

When asked about fellow Fil-Am fencer Lee Kiefer, the first American foil fencer to win an individual Olympic gold medal, he said he feels a profound connection to her legacy and hopes to contribute to that shared heritage.

Mitchell Saron, a senior economics major at Harvard, will be representing the USA Fencing men’s squad in Paris 2024 Olympics this July. CONTRIBUTED

“I’ve always been absolutely inspired by Lee Kiefer,” Saron said. “She’s made history and is legendary. The fact that she’s also a Filipino American not only highlights the diversity in our sport but, even when I was a young fencer, she was definitely a role model for me. Now that I’ve gotten to know her as a fellow member of the national fencing team, I see she’s not only incredible as an athlete but as a human being. Despite her success, she’s extremely humble, kind and grateful. Her success has fueled my ambition and pride in representing our shared heritage on the global stage. I hope to create a legacy that’s even close to hers.”

Saron, whose mother is Filipina, said his great-grandfather was a swordsman in the Philippines. This story not only connects him to his roots but also provides a powerful metaphor for his journey to the Olympics. “I feel like I’m returning home,” he says, as he prepares to honor his family’s legacy on the global stage.

“When you look to build your future, you can draw strength from your past. I’m so grateful to get to represent my family and continue the legacy.”