Nick Itkin, a 24-year-old American fencer, won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. This is his second Olympic medal, but the first time he’s won individually.
Itkin had a tough match in the semifinals but managed to bounce back and win the bronze medal match. His dad, who is also his coach, helped him stay focused after the loss.
Winning in the famous Grand Palais was a special experience for Itkin. He’s already looking forward to the next Olympics in Los Angeles, his hometown.
This is the first time an American man has won a medal in individual foil since 2016.
Nick Itkin began his journey in fencing at the young age of seven. His father, Misha Itkin, a professional fencer from Ukraine and a coach, introduced him to the sport. Growing up in a family with a rich sports background, Nick found his passion early and dedicated himself to becoming a top fencer.
Personal Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nick Itkin |
| Age | 24 |
| Handedness | Right |
| Residence | Los Angeles, CA, USA |
| Occupation | Athlete |
| Languages | English, Russian |
| Higher Education | Business, Political Science – University of Notre Dame |
| Family | Son of Michael Itkin and Tatyana Itkina |
| Coach | Michael Itkin (Father, former elite fencer from Ukraine) |
| Mother | Tatyana Itkina (former member of Ukraine’s rhythmic gymnastics team and U.S. coach) |
| Sister | Julia Itkin (former U.S. National Team member in rhythmic gymnastics) |
| Hobbies | Athletics, Economics, Music |
Professional Achievements
Nick Itkin has made significant strides in his fencing career, winning medals in various prestigious competitions. His achievements include: https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/nick-itkin-993316
OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE
- 2-time Olympian; 2-time Olympic medalist (2 bronze)
- Olympic Games Paris 2024, (Team Foil – Men), bronze (Individual Foil – Men)
- Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, bronze (Team Foil – Men), 12th (Individual Foil – Men)
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS EXPERIENCE
- Most recent: 2023 – silver (Individual Foil – Men), 4th (Team Foil – Men)
- Years of participation: Individual Foil – Men 2016, 2019, 2022, 2023; Team Foil – Men 2022, 2023
- Medals: 3 (2 silver, 1 bronze)
- Silver – 2023 (Individual Foil – Men); 2022 (Team Foil – Men)
- Bronze – 2022 (Individual Foil – Men)
Fencing Career
Nick’s fencing career has been heavily influenced by his father, who also serves as his coach. The duo shares a strong bond, with Misha coaching Nick in Russian, except when competing against Russian opponents, where he switches to English. This unique dynamic has played a crucial role in Nick’s development as a fencer.
USA Medal Winners at Paris Olympics 2024: A Complete List
Challenges and Injuries
In 2023, Nick faced a setback when he injured his right hamstring during a World Cup event. However, his determination and love for fencing saw him through recovery and back into competition.
Ambitions
Nick aims to win gold at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and also has his sights set on competing in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. His commitment to the sport and his continuous pursuit of excellence keep him motivated towards these goals.
Promoting Fencing
Apart from his personal ambitions, Nick is passionate about promoting fencing among the younger generation. He has held fencing clinics for children in the USA, aiming to make the sport more accessible and respected. Nick’s vision is to change the perception of fencing and encourage more children to take up the sport.
Personal Interests and Inspirations
Nick enjoys athletics, economics, and politics. He looks up to Italian fencer Andrea Baldini and US basketball player LeBron James as his idols. His family, including his father, mother, grandmother, and sister, have all been involved in sports at competitive levels, further inspiring him in his athletic pursuits.
Notable Quotes
“My father is a fencing coach and he introduced the sport to me when I was about seven. I love this sport more than anything, my life revolves around fencing. There is no better feeling than outplaying my opponent and scoring a nice touch.”
“I am really lucky to have this relationship with my father where he is my coach and my father. He wants it as much as I do. On the side of the strip, his emotion is just so strong and that helps me and encourages me, and it hypes me up.”
“I want to change the narrative and have people know and respect the sport. It is incredibly competitive and athletic. So many kids stop or don’t start fencing because they don’t see it in the public eye.”
Conclusion
Nick Itkin’s journey in fencing is a testament to his dedication, skill, and the strong influence of his family. As he continues to strive for excellence, he also works towards making fencing a more recognized and respected sport, inspiring future generations to take up the challenge.