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First Black World Champion in Fencing Describes Years of Racial Targeting by Referees

On Purpose with Jay Shetty · Miles Chamley-Watson: #1 Mindset Shift That Changes Everything (Try THIS to Stay Sharp, Focused, and In Control) · June 3, 2026
First Black World Champion in Fencing Describes Years of Racial Targeting by Referees
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Miles Chamley-Watson: #1 Mindset Shift That Changes Everything (Try THIS to Stay Sharp, Focused, and In Control)
"My first ever Junior Olympics, I never forget it. I got 5 red cards for no reason. And I knew it was because of the color of my skin, because the next day I won the under-17. There's been countless times of referees and coaches that are just racial gestures that I've never really talked about."
Chamlee-Watson, who became the first Black American world champion in fencing history in 2013, revealed he was repeatedly targeted with fouls and racial gestures by referees and coaches from age 14 to 18. He was given five red cards at his first Junior Olympics despite being highly skilled, and parents even abandoned their children at competitions after losing to him. His mother's advice was simply to win so no one could dispute his dominance.
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On Purpose with Jay Shetty
On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Miles Chamley-Watson: #1 Mindset Shift That Changes Everything (Try THIS to Stay Sharp, Focused, and In Control)

August 3, 2026 · 5 Egleze moments
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