President Obama and the First Lady Learning to Fence in Support Chicago 2016!
September 17, 2009
I’m so giddy I can barely write, but here goes!
Daria Schneider and I went to the White House today for an event with President Obama and the First Lady in support of Chicago’s Olympic Games bid.
You never really know how much time you’re going to get to spend with the President when you visit, but today was really above and beyond my wildest dreams and truly a great day for fencing!
It started with Michelle Obama during her speech saying that she saw Barack trying to fence before they all came out and he clearly doesn’t have it! Then when Obama started his speech he began it by saying that, “I always wanted to try fencing, and maybe you guys,” he said pointing at us, “can give me a few pointers.”
After the speeches, President Obama and the First Lady made their way over to us as we were talking to the assembled kids and they spent significant time with us! We showed President Obama a few moves, he played with the light saber and foam sabers, asked us questions about the sport, checked out my Olympic medal from Beijing (he said he’d never seen one before!) and then even refereed the demonstration between Daria and myself!
At one point, he fist pumped Daria during the match when she scored on me!
Unbelievably surreal!
Right now, pictures of us fencing with Obama are going out all over the internet! Fingers crossed that this publicity will help us with ratings for our World Championships, get more people to come try it out (You couldn’t ask for a better endorsement of the sport!), and help us land those still elusive sponsorships.
Either way, this was really one of the most amazing experiences of my life!
Awesome opportunity and way to make the most of it Tim.
congratulations, tim!
This is really, REALLY inspiring! You all were amazing in Beijing…I can’t wait to see what 2016 on home turf could bring!
Hi Tim! congratulation you are doing a great work with fencing promoting the sport!
Greetings from Argentina
Absolutely awesome… This is amazing publicity for the sport.
Nice job, Tim! On your next Nationals event, invite the President or anyone who has supported you with publicity to go there. In fact, send him a gift of the highest quality blade either a replica sword or actual fencing sabre (foil or epee, if you choose to) to thank him for his time at the White House. I’m very sure he will watch the Fencing championships at the Chicago Olympics and remember your efforts.
Congratulations on your visit.
Thanks for visiting our leadership academy first.
You were a hit in both places!
Keep up your good work.
KLG
Looks like he’s holding a blue lightsaber.
Way to be an effective ambassador for our sport, Tim!
The use of the lightsaber as a prop was brilliant. Press everywhere – ESPN, CBS, even the UK news sites have that photo.
Touche Tim
Finally fencing gets its due and I am so glad you are the representative to this great “American” sport. You are a great ambassador.
Here’s to your continued success. Bonnie
Would anyone mind sending me a HQ picture of obama fencing? I want that to be my background LOL
Typically any gifts given to the president while in office end up in his Presidential Library. Something to keep in mind.
Nice work!!!!
love you, hate him. how about fencing non-socialists?
Like wow, I shook Your hand at the World Cup in Dallas and you Shook Presedent Obama’s Hand, and that means inderectly I’ve shaken the presedents hand…I voted for Obama, Primarily because He’s Left Handed. Go Lefty! Thanks a whole Lot for the actions your making and Have Made…We Fencer’s down here in Texas, are Watching Ya.
Amazing president, and amazing work you do Tim to promote your sport! congradulations! you couldnt found a better “ambassador” to reach your target!
Congratulations, Tim! If this doesn’t bring a grin to Yuri’s face, I don’t know what will.
This picture would make a great poster!
[...] in college and attended the foil, sabre, and epee competitions in Atlanta ‘96, so I thought this story was pretty cool. Digg [...]
Wow, Tim can we trade lives for a day or two?
Congratulations, Tim
i realy get excited,great day for you and fencing as well,it could be a good poster during the coming world championship,see you,peyman,
very cool
That’s really Awesome! Hats off sir, we love you!
And BTW I’m new to your blog, and I must tell you, you are a true pro! HAts of tim!