🎙️ EPISODE 9 – BEN ATKINS INTERVIEW

The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.

In this episode of Direct Elimination, hosts Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart sit down with Ben Atkins — one of the most accomplished U.S. collegiate fencers of his generation and a rare athlete to achieve championship success in both foil and épée. After his NCAA titles at Columbia University, Ben went on to an equally impactful professional career in real estate investment, while staying deeply connected to fencing.

Ben shares how fencing shaped his mindset for business, how mentors like Aladar Kogler influenced his journey, and why he chooses not to coach his own son — instead trusting others to guide the next generation.

You’ll hear:

• Ben’s fencing origin story and how he got started
• The moment he decided to go “all in” on fencing
• His motivation then and now
• How fencing prepared him for professional success in law, real estate, and entrepreneurship
• Reflection on the John Wooden quote: “Success is found in the running of the race — your planning, preparation, practice, and performance — counts for everything.”
• Insights from years of training with Aladar Kogler
• Why he chose not to coach his own son, and what that says about separation between family and sport
• How Fencing for a Purpose aims to give back to the community
• One-Light Answers (rapid fire Q&A)

Ben’s story is one of excellence, perspective, and purpose — a reminder that the lessons learned in sport can shape success far beyond the strip.

⏱ Timestamps

00:00:00 – Welcome & recap of last episode
00:02:23 – Ben’s fencing origin story
00:11:45 – Ben’s all-in moment
00:20:08 – SEGMENT: The Why Behind the Win
01:03:08 – Reflection on John Wooden’s quote about success
01:03:58 – Fencing for a Purpose organization
01:05:02 – SEGMENT: One-Light Answers (rapid fire)
01:07:00 – Closing & thanks to Prieur

💬 Key Quotes
“It was really just blind, dumb luck that my first coach was one of the great legendary coaches of young foil fencers in the United States.”
“The same planning and preparation that win bouts are the same qualities that drive success in business.”

Thank you for listening!

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