How the World's TOP Fencer Stays Unshakable Under Pressure (Use This Habit!)
The best athletes have the shortest memory—win or lose, forget it immediately. This mindset shift, taught to Olympic fencer Miles Chamley-Watson by Kobe Bryant after a devastating loss, transformed his career. Within a year, he became the first Black American world champion in fencing history. Stop
1h 2mKey Takeaway
The best athletes have the shortest memory—win or lose, forget it immediately. This mindset shift, taught to Olympic fencer Miles Chamley-Watson by Kobe Bryant after a devastating loss, transformed his career. Within a year, he became the first Black American world champion in fencing history. Stop dwelling on outcomes. Process your emotions briefly, then move forward. Your next opportunity won't wait for you to finish replaying the past.
Episode Overview
Olympic bronze medalist and world champion fencer Miles Chamley-Watson shares his journey from troubled youth to transforming an elite, predominantly white sport. He discusses how fencing saved his life, the mental strategies behind peak performance, dealing with racism in sports, and creating the World Fencing League to make the sport more accessible and exciting for new audiences.
Key Insights
Sport as Therapy: Finding Your Outlet
Miles credits fencing with literally saving his life as a troubled kid with ADHD. Rather than medication, finding a sport he loved became his therapy and focus. Parents should help children discover activities they're passionate about—sports teach how to lose, develop integrity, and provide an equal playing field regardless of background.
Learn to Lose Before You Can Win
After placing fourth at the 2012 London Olympics, Miles got a tattoo of this principle. Understanding the pain of losing makes you appreciate winning more and builds character. The key is processing the loss quickly, learning from it, then moving forward—not dwelling on it for weeks or months.
Don't Prepare for What You Can't Control
Miles deliberately avoids watching opponents or thinking about competitions until the morning of the event. After experiencing sleepless nights from over-preparation, he realized: if he doesn't know his own plan, his opponent can't predict him either. This counterintuitive approach reduces anxiety and keeps him present.
Pressure is a Privilege—Channel It Productively
Facing racism in a predominantly white sport, Miles used his mother's advice: 'Just win. Then what can they say?' He channeled discrimination into motivation, viewing obstacles as fuel rather than barriers. The ability to transform negative pressure into positive performance separates good athletes from great ones.
Stay True to Yourself at Every Level
Miles considers 'you never changed' the best compliment anyone can give. Despite attending the Met Gala, partnering with Nike, and creating a groundbreaking league, he remains grounded. Keeping the 'little kid' in you—staying authentic regardless of success—allows you to navigate life with more wins than losses.
Notable Quotes
"The best athletes have the shortest memory. You win, you forget about it. You lose, you forget about it. When you're done your career, you can celebrate all you want."
"You must learn how to lose before you can learn how to win."
"My mom always just said, 'Just win.' And then what can they say? I'm the best now."
"Fencing literally saved my life."
"I'm still the 12-year-old kid just covering tattoos. Winning is great, but changing a sport is bigger than any Olympic gold medal I could ever win."
Action Items
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Process Losses Quickly, Then Move Forward
When you experience failure or setback, allow yourself one evening to feel the emotions. Then deliberately shift your focus back to training and improvement. Dwelling on losses for extended periods prevents you from preparing for your next opportunity.
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2
Find Your Therapeutic Outlet
If you or your children struggle with focus, anxiety, or energy management, explore sports or physical activities before turning to medication. The key is finding something you genuinely love—not just any activity, but one that makes you feel like a superhero when you're doing it.
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3
Reduce Pre-Performance Anxiety Through Strategic Ignorance
If over-preparation causes sleepless nights and performance anxiety, try limiting your analysis until closer to the event. Focus on your own preparation and skills rather than obsessing over opponents. What you can't predict, others can't plan for either.
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4
Schedule Daily Tech-Free Time for Self-Reflection
Turn off your phone at a set time each evening (Miles uses 10:30 PM) and spend time with your own thoughts. Read, meditate, or simply check in with yourself. The hardest sport in the world is sitting with your thoughts—but it's essential for mental health and authentic living.