As a member of the USA Fencing Board of Directors from 2022 to 2024, I had the honor of witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of Peter Westbrook, a pioneering Olympian, mentor, and founder of the Peter Westbrook Foundation, who passed away on November 19, 2024, at the age of 72. Westbrook’s legacy transcends medals—he reshaped lives and opened doors for generations of athletes from underserved communities.
From Newark Housing Projects to Olympic Glory
Born in St. Louis on April 16, 1952, Westbrook grew up in the Hayes Homes housing project in central Newark, New Jersey, raised by his mother, Mariko Wado-Westbrook, after his father left the family when Peter was four. Mariko, a Japanese immigrant, sacrificed tirelessly to provide her children with a Catholic education, cleaning churches and assisting with bingo nights to ensure Peter and his sister could attend school.
It was Mariko who enrolled Peter in fencing at age 13, a decision that changed the trajectory of his life. Training under Dr. Samuel D’Ambola at Essex Catholic High School in Newark, Westbrook quickly rose through the ranks, winning the New Jersey state championship as a high school junior.
He continued his fencing journey at NYU on a full scholarship, training with legendary coaches Hugo Castello and Csaba Elthes, the famously rigorous coach. His perseverance and discipline culminated in 13 U.S. National Men’s Sabre Championships and a historic bronze medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, making him the first African American and Asian American to earn an Olympic fencing medal. Westbrook represented the United States in five Olympic Games, inspiring countless athletes along the way.
Impact Beyond the Medal Strip
Westbrook’s influence extended far beyond his own competitive achievements. In 1991, he founded the Peter Westbrook Foundation (PWF) to bring fencing to inner-city youth, using the sport as a platform to teach discipline, academic success, and leadership skills. Through the foundation, thousands of young people have been introduced to fencing, and many have gone on to compete at the highest levels—including Olympians such as Ibtihaj Muhammad and Daryl Homer.
Having grown up in Paterson, New Jersey, just a 20-minute ride from Newark, I saw firsthand what Peter’s success meant. Two of the state’s largest cities, often overlooked in discussions of Olympic achievement, were home to him and to me. He became a symbol of what is possible for urban youth—proof that talent and determination can overcome systemic barriers.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Inspiration
Peter Westbrook’s story is one of resilience, vision, and service. From the streets of Newark to the Olympic podium, he redefined what excellence could look like for African American athletes and paved the way for those who followed. The foundation he created continues to thrive, serving as a testament to his belief in the transformative power of sport.
“Peter Westbrook broke barriers with his blade and built pathways with his heart,” I reflect. “His life tells us that great sport, when rooted in purpose, transforms more than competition—it transforms character, community, and history.”
Honoring His Memory
Westbrook’s passing is a profound loss, but his work endures through the athletes he inspired and the communities he uplifted. For those committed to mentorship, youth development, and inclusion in sports, his life serves as both inspiration and a blueprint for meaningful impact.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Darryl Jacobs is a nationally recognized sports journalist and basketball commentator/analyst, affiliated with esteemed networks such as ESPN, CBS, and NBA Television Sports Networks. As a seasoned sports executive with over 20 years of experience in higher education, corporate, professional sports leadership, and nonprofit management, Jacobs possesses a unique blend of expertise.
A recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters, Dr. Jacobs has collaborated extensively with professional athletes and has held leadership roles on several national boards focused on education, sports, and community development.