How the World's TOP Fencer Stays Unshakable Under Pressure (Use This Habit!)

Fencing literally saved my life. >> Fencing is known for being a notoriously. white sport. Talk to me about what it. felt like getting to the Olympics. winning bronze. >> My mom always just said, "Just win." And. then, what can they say? I'm the best. now. I'm still the 12-year-old kid just. 6'5 covered in tattoos. Winning is. great, but changing a sport is bigger. than any Olympic gold medal I could ever. win. >> Hey everyone, welcome back to On. Purpose, the place you come to become. happier, healthier, and more healed.

Today's guest is not only a friend, but. someone who I'm so fascinated to dive. into his mindset. I love top performers, people who are operating at peak places. and making incredible impact happen. across the world in their field, and. this is one of those people. Miles. Chamley-Watson is an Olympic medalist. redefining the sport with his style, confidence, and a vision that's pushing. it far beyond what it's ever been. before. Miles Chamley-Watson, welcome to.

On Purpose. >> Well, thank you. That was an absolutely. incredible intro. >> [laughter]. >> It's an honor to be here, honestly. Before I kind of got to meet you, it's really nice to be a fan of your. work, and I think you instill some. incredible ideas on people, make them. feel better, which the world needs more. than ever. So, thank you for that, and. it's an honor. >> Dude, we met in the best way possible. I. felt like we were on a boys' trip, which. is what it felt like, and it just turned. out to be like the easiest conversation. You guys like invited me into the wolf. pack, which made me feel really really.

comfortable. We played poker from 11:00. p.m. to 7:00 a.m. three nights in a row. We were out on the water. We were. hanging It was It was amazing, and I. just You know, I know that I was kind of. coming in fresh and new, and it was just. you were one of those people, you and. Spins especially. Big shout out, Spins. >> You were one of those people that just. made me feel like at home. So, not only. are you amazing at what you do, which. we'll get into, you're you're a great. guy off off as well. So, I appreciate. you, man. Thank you. I want to dive in. by asking you like what I heard from you.

and I've been watching your interviews. and obviously I I came to the event. which we talked about in a second, but I feel like you always felt like you. didn't quite fit in. Talk to me about. your earliest memory that reminds you of. that feeling. >> I think being born in London, um my mom was kind of the the mom and. dad. Dad was kind of in my life till I. was about 8 years old. So I think. naturally you kind of rebel. So I think when I was playing football, running track and field, I always felt. like I was just different, kind of my. approach, my mindset. Um and then we.

moved to America. I was about 9 or 10, kind of in between those years. And those years are very important, right? All your friends are there, your. family's there. So naturally moving from. London to New York, I was like, I don't want to be here. So. getting into trouble, getting kicked out. of my first school, public school, then I got kicked out of. my second school, and then my mother met someone that. would was on the missions program for. private school. Was a Was a good tuition. grants cuz we didn't have money at the. time. But as a punishment, I had to pick up. tennis, fencing, or badminton.

>> As a punishment? >> Cuz I guess they were mental sports. I. was like, "Ugh, whatever. Sports are. fun." And then I was like, "Wait, I can. pick up a sword and like stab you, right?" I was like, "This is like the. kid's dream." And then immediately, that. was my purpose. Cuz you put the mask on. and you feel like a superhero. And I think that was the first time I. realized like, "Okay, this is going to. be. my way out of whatever I'm kind of in.". And then. I was very ADD, ADHD, and then fencing. became my outlet. And as I started to get better in. fencing, I started to get better in.

school. So that kind of ended up being a. double-sided sword, which ended up being. my job. I kind of got very, very lucky. in finding fencing because. I don't know where I'd be now if I. wasn't, you know, a professional fencer, which is a crazy thing to say, you know? >> I feel like sports, when you're young, are so important. What was the. difference because everyone plays. sports. I played a lot of sports growing. older. You're obviously phenomenal at what you. do. How quickly did you realize that. this could be something you were. actually really good at? >> I think it was immediately. Yeah,

picked it up right away and Ellen. Grayson, who I love her to death, hello. She was like, "Miles, you you could be. an Olympian." I was like, "This is in. fencing? Really?" And I think. immediately I felt this connection that. was like nothing else in my life. And it. was like my therapy. And I think. nowadays it's like kids ADD ADHD. first things I hear are we should give. them a pill or give them a drug. And I'm. like, find them something that that that. they love. I think that's the key is and. sports are amazing because no matter if. you're rich or poor, at the end of the. day.

it's it's who's going to win, right? Same sword in my hands, same mask on my. head. And I think that's why sports are. so incredible because they saved my. life. I never knew at that time that it. would be my. you know, be-all end-all, but fencing. literally saved my life. >> Wow. >> Which is crazy to say. >> Yeah, but I believe you. I can feel it. Like you were just sitting with you and. you're saying that and I'm like, "Wow, that's like I because I feel like so. many parents today are wondering. how do I get my kid to be confident? How. do I get my kid to like. just get out there. And and I couldn't. agree with you more that.

you only feel confident when you have. some competence. Like when you feel like. you have a skill, when you have an. ability and you have something to do. beyond scrolling on your phone or, you. know, watching a show or playing video. games or whatever it may be. For you, talk to me about what do you think life. would have looked like if you didn't. find fencing that early? >> I honestly don't know cuz we're hanging. around the corner shops, you know, getting into troubles, stealing sweets, just kind of cuz we didn't really know. what there was for us. And I think. that's also very important having a. father figure in your life. And think of. my mom my mom found my stepdad.

Colin, who I say my dad to you cuz he is. my dad raised me. I think that's also. very very important is cuz you need. someone who's going to tell you no when. they can. And I honestly don't think I. would be definitely not talking to you. And I definitely. don't know if I'd be behind the bars, to. be honest with you, cuz I was just such. a crazy little kid. My friends I grew up. with are, you know, they're plumbers, they're happy. Um but I was kind of the only one out of. us to kind of make it out and and create. an empire for myself. >> What area did you grow up in? >> First it was Southwest London, and then. it was Ealing,

and then it was Putney, and then Kilburn. a little bit. >> Yeah, yeah. >> And then we moved to New York. Yeah, and. a really, really funny story, 2012. Olympics, my three friends, Aaron, Adam, and Blake, they're all brothers, they're. all plumbers, and they actually built. the Olympic village. >> No. >> So, yeah, first time I was saying that, yeah, they literally built the village. >> That's so cool. >> would call me like, "Hey, man, I'm. building your village." I was like, "What do you mean?" And like, plumbing. it and making it, and then they kind of. got to see me compete. >> Wow. >> and they all came. So, that was a full. circle moment for me. >> That's amazing. That's so good, man.

>> Yeah, it was crazy. >> And that just happened by chance. There. was no connectivity or anything. >> By chance. And I think life is obviously. about timing's everything in life, and I. really believe that, and I think. some things might be not the right time, relationships, partners, sports, but. sports, I think are the number one. thing. If I have children, I would put. them in the right way. I'm not going to tell you to be a. fencer, but I think just sports teach. you how to lose, what it feels like, integrity, listening, and I think that's. what fencing taught me. >> I told you this before, I don't think we. had a proper conversation about it. So,

I did fencing at school. >> Yeah. >> And I won some super amateur. championships at like 14, 15, 16. I. don't I don't I You know, maybe I I'm. joking. I could never have been good. enough to to compete with what you do, but. I loved it as a sport, actually. >> It was pretty It was really strategic, it was tactical. The fitness level was, you know, it was challenging. I still. remember, actually, really well. We'd do. it in the gym at school. Talk to me. about the importance of a mentor, though, cuz it sounds like you gave a. shout out to someone there, and I was. like, I think that's the difference.

Like, when I played a lot of sports at. school, you've got to have someone who. kind of takes you under their wing and. like invests in you and makes you feel. like you could go find I found them in. life, I found them in business, I found. them in spirituality and meditation and. other areas of my life. But sports is. somewhere where I think a coach or a. mentor is just the most important. person. Talk to me about how you found. yours. >> 100% I think Ellen Grayson and um Eric. Rosenberg, they work in the school at. the time and they saw my potential and. they actually were the first person to. say.

get your citizenship. But I didn't realize I was going to be. who I am to this day. Without them, I. would never probably seen my potential. and seen how far I could take fencing. And then my coach, Simon Gershon, um. became like my dad. I can tell him. everything. He's kind of teaching me like, you know, that you must learn how to lose before. you can learn how to win, which is a. tattoo I have, which I think is so. important because. understanding the feeling of losing. as an athlete is the hardest thing, you. know, to kind of understand and swallow. But then you have to understand what. that feels like, so when you do win, you.

appreciate that more than ever. I talk. to him every day. If I'm not feeling. good, he can sense it. So to me, having. a coach and a mentor and a role model is. so important. I think now that's why I. love being that for the kids now, which. is one reason why I started this league, but I love seeing kids look up to me, parents ask me questions and I think if. I can be a little bit of a catalyst or. kind of a helper for them, then that's. probably bigger than winning any medal I. could ever win. >> That's such great advice. Where's your. tattoo? Is it Can you. >> Yeah, yeah, it's somewhere on here. >> You like, yeah. >> It's somewhere on. >> How many tattoos do you have?

>> 150. >> Really? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, cuz I tattooed my hands because in. fencing we wear all white. >> Yeah. >> was like, you know, I want to stand out. and my mom hated it cuz she's you know, a British lady. >> Now I remember when we were traveling as. well, you got these crazy ones on your. shin as well, on your legs, yeah. When. did you start? >> 2012 I got my first one in London. >> late. >> At the Olympics, yeah. And it says from. London to London. And then I won more championships and I. got the the dates and then I was like. I really like it. And then I just kind. of went crazy with it. But they're all.

very, very purposeful. Like they're not. just random ones I've gotten for just. for the sake of it. >> What's the losing win one again? Say. that again. >> You you learn how to lose before you can. learn how to win. >> I really like that. That's the. >> And I and I really understood that when. I lost at the Olympics. Um we got fourth. And I was like, "I. wait 4 years." And then I kind of. changed my whole mentality. And then. 2013 was when I made history. And I was. the first ever black American world. champion in the history of fencing. And I think if I didn't lose, I don't. know if I'd ever win. Which is a weird.

thing to kind of say, but I think it's it's pretty poignant. and I think it is very important for. just your character. And just trying to be as humble and. even-keeled as you can. Cuz I never. understand some athletes who reach a. certain peak and they just change who. they are. And I think if you can keep, you know, that little kid in you, then I. think you'll you'll be able to go. through life with a lot more wins than. than losses. >> It's such powerful advice. I remember I. had, obviously I never competed at any. any level, but I remember having a. football coach who'd always say to us, he was like, "If you win, celebrate for.

a night and then get back to training. And if you lose, cry for a night and. then get back to training.". >> Yeah. >> And he was like, "All you have to do is. get back to training.". >> Yeah. >> He said everything else is irrelevant. You can celebrate for one night, you can. cry for one night, but get on with it. Because his whole point was like, "When. we lose, we cry for a month. And when. you win, you celebrate for a night." And. that's why you remember the bad times. more than the good times. Because when. you lose, you get so deep into it. Talk. to me about that loss that you had. The. details of like what it felt like to. lose in that way. >> What it felt like your life is over at.

that time. My nan was there, you know, she's African. Like my aunts, my uncles. that were supporting me and I'm like, "I. feel like I let everybody down.". And they don't care. They'll be there. for who I am. But at that time, that's. my biggest moment in sports is making. the Olympics in 2012 in London. And I just felt like, "Oh, >> Yeah, hometown as well. >> Hometown, ashamed of myself. And a. really, really beautiful moment for me. was I'm in the village and the. basketball team walks in. And Kobe walks. in. And he's like, "Hi, how are you?" And. I'm like, "Hi, how are you doing?" He's like, "I'm.

Kobe." I'm like, "I know who you are. I'm a I'm a Miles, I'm a fencer. And he told me this quote, I'll never. forget it. I got a tattoo on my leg. He. says, "The best athletes have the. shortest memory. You win, you forget. about it. You lose, you forget about it. When you're done your career, you can. celebrate all you want.". And I sit there and I'm like, "Wow.". And immediately, that grin turned into a. smile. And then I changed my whole mentality, and then I won the next year. I was able. to tell him, which was really, really. beautiful. But I think when you meet someone like. that who you look up to, and they're just even more incredible in.

person, and he's just very humble and told me. that from from his coach, and I'll. never, ever forget that. And I have it. tattooed on the back of my leg with his. face. So, I think those moments. are priceless to me. And I think if I. would have won, would I have had that. time with him? Or would have I have been. able to do more in my sport? So, I think. everything has a reason to come into. your life, whether it's positive. or negative. And I'm grateful for these moments in. life that, you know, are incredible. >> That's such a great story, right? >> I'll never forget it.

>> Kobe came on the podcast the first year. of the podcast. It was brand new. We. just started out. And he did exactly. what you said. He walked into the room. and he introduced himself as Kobe to my. whole team. And everyone's like, "Yeah, we know exactly who you are.". And my favorite memory from that day was. that when we walked in, he was in his. office, and you could just see the. silhouette of his head, and his team was. saying that he was meditating in there. before he came to do the interview. And. he said they said he did that every. morning. When we finished the interview, this was a little clip. I still have.

this clip. I've never put it out there. cuz I feel it'd be disrespectful, but. at the end of it, he goes, "I can see. why you're number one." And I was just. like, that will like stay with me. forever. >> Wow. >> me the biggest hug, and yeah, I was so. grateful to And that was like 3 months. before his tragic passing. So, it was. like right then. But yeah, what what an. incredible role model, amazing. energy, like so present, really humble. Everything you just said, like just. meeting someone at that level, that. caliber, who was just so down-to-earth. >> I don't want to talk too much about it.

cuz obviously respect to him, but I was. on set with Nike talking about him the. day it happened. >> Oh. >> The day it happened. >> Wow. >> And then Louis actually text me "I love. you, brother." I said "Love you, too.". But my phone was in the green room. And I was talking about him, his impact. on me. And everybody just stood in silence. And. it was just like. It was, you know, and I think larger. than life is people and life's a brutal. reminder. And I think it's just. enjoy every moment you can, negatives or.

positives. And I think that's all we can. do in life and just live with love and. everything else will take care of. itself, but that man was so special. >> Yeah, one-of-a-kind. He was He was one. of the few athletes I knew that was. peaceful in retirement. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And he was really happy because he was. getting He won the Oscar for the short. film that was teaching lessons from. basketball. Yeah, exactly. But uh I was thinking about it, you. mentioned something that you said that. you're the first black person in the. sport to win. I mean, that just First of.

all, that is a huge accomplishment. Congratulations. I just want to. acknowledge and honor just what a big. deal that is. But fencing is known for. being a notoriously white sport. >> Yeah. >> Like that's what it's always been, I. assume. You can fill me in on the. history a little bit. Talk to me about. even breaking into something like that. because I don't That's not normal. That. doesn't sound easy. I'm sure there's a. lot of things to navigate. Like walk me. through that experience. >> I was in a group class and you know, they pick you one on a team. We did like. a first team event. It was like, so.

three people on one team versus the. three. And every time I was picked last knowing. I was not the worst one. And at the time you're kind of like. All right, this is This is weird. I'm. the only one that kind of looks like me. in it. And then I started to realize. that. no one in the sport really made a mark. on them that was my color. Besides Peter. Westbrook who I have to give some homage. to. And then. my first ever Junior Olympics, I never. forget it. I got five 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. I knew it. And now I've seen the referee still to. this day and I still have this. this I was like a little kid. and it's just you don't know why things. are happening to you, but then as I got. older I started to realize. it was just because of the color of my. skin. Because no one in that sport had broken. that mold and there's been countless. times of referees and and coaches that. are just racial gestures that I've never. really talked about cuz my mom always. just said just just win. And then what. can they say? I've had many many occasions from. probably 14.

till 17 18 then I was like I'm the best. now. And it's unfortunate because now. there's still racism in the sport, right? It happened with this kid in. Amsterdam and I messaged him right away. like you know, I have your back and I'll. talk about it and and I'll post about it. because it's you need someone's going to. have your back cuz it's a very lonely. feeling when you're the only one that. has felt this way. Once I started to realize that I I made. it like a positive chip on my shoulder. And I was like, okay. And I never look. at life as anything negative whether. it's. you know, being racially profiled or.

losing. I always have a positive outlook. on everything because it's never lost. It's always a lesson and I think that. was something that I was like, okay, this is going to be. change in the sport and I will leave. fencing in good hands because I know. I've changed the sport for the best. >> How did you handle it at the time when. you didn't have someone reaching out to. you? >> The good thing about fencing is I can. take my aggression out on my opponent. [laughter]. So it's a positive thing for the sport. >> To channel it. >> Yeah, you know, you're crying in the. locker room. I never cried in front of. my mom. You know, look at me with a mask on. You.

you know, shake your opponent and put. the mask back on. But I think at that. age it's it's it's okay to cry and it's. okay to let things out because there are. coaches and parents who I've seen who. have actually shunned their kids for. showing emotions. I've seen parents. leave their kids at competitions because. their kid lost to me. And actually the. kid is actually my friend now. And it's. just a shame that. that parents don't realize like how much. pressure there is on on. on us to just win. So, I think now seeing kids that look. more like us, brown, white, whatever,

girls, I just want to make them feel. comfortable and happy and safe. And I. think if I can be this. beacon for them, then that's what I want. to do in the sport. >> Well, that was so incredible when you. launched the World Fencing League. I. just got to attend in LA. I felt like. you had people from different countries, different cultures, different. backgrounds. I mean, that was pretty. epic, man. That was amazing. >> It was honestly a dream come true. We. sold out. We broke records. I think over. a million people live watching, which is. more than the Olympics. And I think just. seeing kids so happy that the sport is.

on the map. was the best feeling I've ever felt in. my life. So, seeing all the little kids. on the red carpet, to all the fencers. inside telling me, "Man, I think you've done it." Well, that was to me. the greatest day of my life because it. was just. we really changed the sport on one day. because now there's an audience of. people that never seen it, like. yourself, like. people in tech, people in sports, people. that I've looked up to, to the fencing. fans to get the love that they deserved. was incredible. I even I'm smiling cuz.

I'm generally so happy that. >> Yeah, yeah. >> it happened and now the response has. been so positive, so we can keep growing. and growing. I just want to get fencing. on a mainstream, you know, channel and. and platform, which is going to happen. But, it takes someone like myself to. know that it's going to be tough, but I. can handle it. >> Big [snorts] news, Juni just launched at. Kroger and we're celebrating with a free. can for you. Because most of us hit that. point in the afternoon when our energy. dips and our focus starts to fade, but. that's exactly why we created Juni, a.

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the fitness training is, what the skill. is, what the art is, like how you train. It's almost like when people watch Drive. to Survive, that was when people. realized what F1 drivers did. >> Yeah. >> I'm sure you're working on a version of. that for fencing. I see it. >> Yes. >> And and I feel like getting inside your. mind is interesting to me because I'm. like I love knowing how people are. performing at the highest levels. figure that out because that's what I'm. obsessed with is knowing how you perform. at that level and that peak. So, what's.

the training, what's the focus, what's. the patterns, what are the things that. you have to do that might surprise us? >> I would say fencing's like physical. chess, right? Where it's mentally just. as taxing as physically. Cuz I have to. think what you're going to do ahead and. then react to what you're going to do as. well. So, I'd say the three main things. would be being explosive, your reaction, and your timing. So, if I have to react. to you and then my timing of hitting you. before you can hit me, I would say is. very very important. But then it becomes a beautiful dance as.

well, where I'm more of a feeling type. of fencer, where I like to see what. you're going to do. I have to look at. your feet, I have to look at your. mannerisms. But then there's guys that are very good. too, that are very mental, and they'll. just kind of more defensive and kind of. pick you apart. I would say fencing's. like if. boxing, taekwondo, and 100 meters had a baby. >> Wow. >> Cuz you have to be very explosive right. off the gate. You have to be very very. reactive, but then you have to have a. feeling.

of kind of if things go bad, how do I. change right away? So, it's kind of like there's no real. sport like fencing because it's so. unique. And then once you see it person, you're like, "Oh my god, they're real athletes." I'm like, "It's. not like the parent trap, you know?". >> [laughter]. >> Great movie, but I'm like. >> trap. >> You know, people are like, "Oh yeah, it's like I'm like, no, no, no. People. died 50, 60 years ago.". Because it's an actual sword, right? I. did the foil discipline, but so I'd say. it's it's like physical chess, what I. tell people, where it's just as taxing. mentally as it is physically. It's such. a unique sport because it is grip.

strength as well as core and your legs. cuz you're in a squat the entire time. And I think, you know, as you saw, it's. so explosive. and it it can be over in 5 minutes or 40. minutes. So, you have to have a great. VO2 as well. You can get your heart rate. from, you know, 160, 170 back to the low. 70s, 80s. So, yeah, it's a it's a crazy. sport. >> When you're training for a big. tournament, what does your regime look. like for how long? >> So, I would say. uh preseason, we're doing a lot of. cardio and it's like.

similar to boxing, right? So, we'll do. 10 rounds on the assault bike. It's, you. know, 20 seconds on, 40 seconds off 10. times, and we'll do the ski erg, I'll do. sprinting. We don't necessarily need too. much distance work, but it's more like. high intensity, get the heart rate down, get that right right back up again. And. then I like to train four to five times. a week. So, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday is big fencing, which is. sparring, kind of get the the fencing. stamina. And then Tuesday, Thursday,

if you want to do Friday as well, it's. more of a lesson, which is one-on-one. with your coach, which is. how do I want to get better in this. tactical movement? Uh and I say that's. kind of the building block for most. fences. >> Got it. >> Yeah, whether you're 12 or whether. you're my age, it it's it's pretty. intense at a young age. >> And then how much are you fencing like. how much are you training different. moves and. >> Yeah. >> Is that if that's even the right word? >> no, it's good. One very cribs, I like. make up my own moves by myself. I like I. like to spend an hour on my own in the. gym when no one's there. >> Well, that's what I find so hard about.

fencing is that when I saw it at the. World Fencing League, to me. I was like, how do they predict anything. cuz you could do anything? Like the. obviously the target mark is only the. upper part of the body, right? You can't. get someone's face, you can't get. someone's legs, you can't get someone's. feet. But even with that, I was like the way. the fencers were moving their foil, I. was like, how would you know what. they're about to do because it's so. unpredictable? It's not like it's not. obvious. It's not like, oh, there's this. move and this move and this move.

>> Some opponents have like specific. mannerisms where like. say Italians are really good at putting. pressure on you, you know, Russians are. more tactical, French kind of have both. >> Oh, it's by country? >> Kind of, yeah, I would say, yeah. >> There's a style in each country. >> And then the Asians have incredible. footwork. Like it's it's insane. So, you can kind of know that within fencing. a Korean you have to move your legs like. crazy. Italians you have to think a lot. and react. French they kind of have. everything in one.

And then Americans are kind of. unpredictable as well. We have our own. styles, but I would say for the most. part actually yeah, it is actually by by. country. Now I'm like, yeah, it. Yeah, it is. >> When when you said people died in the. sport, how long ago? >> I would say 60 65 70 years ago. >> Because they didn't have the. >> Yeah, so back in the day it was dry. So, Smirnoff and Bear were fencing and. unfortunately the foil broke off and. went through his eye. And it killed him immediately. So, nowadays if it breaks, there's a light. that comes on right away. But back in. the day it was dry.

So, you just have to hope it doesn't. break. >> Wow. >> So, it was real real like some warrior. stuff back in the day. And then now it's obviously progressed. and now we've added new tech which we. did in the in the whole league, but. it is a it is we're literally sword. fighting. But I think people don't. understand how hard it is until you see. it. Like it's really really tough. >> Yeah. >> And I've played, you know, football, I. ran track, I played tennis, but I think. you do realize. it is an intense sport. So, if I can. give that. you know, kind of knowledge to the. people that don't know to understand it.

more, I think that's a massive key. >> Yeah. I also feel that you bring your. swag to fencing. You just mentioned. >> Yeah. >> Gala like I'm like you can go from like. fencing outfit to Met Gala to. streetwear. I'm like I'm sure you don't. see that a lot in fencing either. >> Yeah. I I think you got your own Nike. Yes. >> swag that people. >> second one, you know? >> Yeah. >> Honestly, those are dreams. I think like. I always knew that I wanted to do. something different. And I've never been in a box, but like. to.

be yourself and I think the best thing. anybody ever says is Miles, you never. changed. That's the best compliment. I. couldn't even tell some of my teammates. what I'm doing because it just sounds so. ridiculous. I don't ever come off as. like as cocky or. you know, I'm I'm pretty humble if you. meet me. So, I think from like going. from a competition in Istanbul to Miami. F1 to the Met. to go and right into training. Like. people think I don't I don't miss. training. People are like, oh my I go from the. airplane to training. So, I think like it is a lot of. pressure, but it also is a blessing. But.

whenever I'm tired, I'm like mate, look. at your life. Like you're doing some. pretty cool things. They're all a blessing. But it is it is. a lot. But I try my best to to take some. time to. you know, meditate. I'm trying to do. that. I'm learning cuz I'm ADD. >> Next time instead of poker, we'll do. that with everyone. >> Yeah, we should. No, I really. >> Faster. >> Yeah, you know. >> [laughter]. >> Or before even. >> Or before, yeah. >> Cuz I think people don't want to spend. time with themselves. And for me, I love hanging out with. myself. It sounds crazy, but I love just. being at home. I'm reading I'm finishing.

The Untethered Soul right now. I'm. reading which is a crazy to me. I'm like. great book. >> Obviously, I love TV. I love shows and. sports, but I'm trying my best now to. like take a deep breath and try to shut. my phone off at like 10:30 at home and. just, you know, take some time with. myself and be like, how you doing? Are. you good? And then I'm like, yeah, I'm. good. I'm generally a happy person, like. actually happy. So like I'm good on. that. But it was also just like, all. right, like take a deep breath and just. relax for once. And I think that's my.

hardest part is the balance. And I think. that's the ongoing battle. >> Yeah, I feel like we all think our worth. comes from being busy and productive and. always being on. And it's a good. distraction away from your actual. thoughts. Exactly. And what's actually. going on inside. And then when you slow. down, the thought arises and you go, oh. gosh, I don't know if I can sit with. this. And that's why I always said to. people, that's probably the hardest. sport in the world is sitting with your. thoughts. Like fighting with your. thoughts is the hardest sport in the. world. >> Honestly, 100%. Cuz especially like as. athletes, right? It's like you're in the.

hotel room before and you can't help. yourself but to think about tomorrow. So. like I read this book about samurai's. and it said you can't don't worry about. what you don't know. And that's why now I never talk about. fencing, I never watch fencing until the. morning of. I don't even know who I. fence until the morning. >> So you don't analyze the opponent until. >> Sometimes I don't know who I'm going to. fence until I'm on the strip, which is. kind of crazy. Why? Because one time I. knew and I couldn't sleep. And then I'm. I'm envisioning in my head and I wake up. and I'm tired. At the end of the day, if. I don't know what I'm going to do. fencing, how the hell could you plan for.

me? Right? So I realized that. So now I. don't ever ever talk talk about fencing, think about fencing. I don't want to know. I don't even go to. the venue night before. I just whatever city I'm in, I kind of. walk around. >> unique for an athlete. >> Oh, it's crazy. People are like, why are. you doing that? I'm like, that helps me. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> And then that's how I deal with with. pressure. Cuz at the end of the day, pressure is a privilege. But it also comes with a lot of. pressure. But also understanding now. that like if you can have this. understanding that like you're supposed.

to win a competition, that's a gift. So. if you can lean into that, like most. people don't aren't supposed to win. So they've got no real pressure. >> Yeah. >> So I think now understanding that's. actually a gift has helped me be like, all right, like just you know, lean into. this. So I think just learning more. about myself. has given me more. understanding of the sport of fencing. >> Yeah. Talk to me about the road to your. favorite tournaments, whether it's the. Olympics, winning bronze, world. champion. Like, talk to me Let's talk.

about the Olympics first because I mean, and you brought us the Olympic medal, which was incredible, which we're going. to That's I mean, I've never seen one in. real life. Like you said, everyone's. wearing the fake ones when they're out. or whatever in the pictures. >> Yeah. >> Talk to me about what it felt like. getting to the Olympics, winning bronze. >> I would say getting that you know, 0.001% of the population gets to go to. the Olympics. I think it's like 0.001. get a medal, right? So, unless you're. Phelps, who's got. 2,000 of them. >> [laughter]. >> But, I think when you get there, at. least my first one,

it changed everything. I was serious. I didn't see my friends, which ended up. being the wrong decision. And then And. then the next year, I was like, you know. what? I'm going to enjoy this. I'm going to get dinner with my friend. the night before, and I won. That was me realizing that not everybody. is the same athlete. And yes, there's. rules and techniques and routines, but. like, I'm not like the next person, so. why should I prepare like them? So, then. once I started to understand that I'm. different, then then that kind of led me. up to Rio. And I actually lived in Korea for a.

little bit. And I trained with Youngho Kim. And I won the first Grand Prix of the. season. People are like, "Why is he. going to Korea?" I'm like, "Why not?". And I won the first Grand Prix of the. season. And I was like, "That's why.". Cuz I wanted to to learn something new. I think As athletes, change is okay, but. sometimes it's hard to to take that. leap, right? And then I made the Olympics, and then I. had the best team fencing of my life. And I was able to to enjoy the moment, the process, be in Rio, you know, meet.

the other athletes. And I think that was. when I realized you need to enjoy the. journey because when you're done, besides the medal, memories to me are. more important. And if you lose those. memories, then you've lost, I think, the. coolest part of the journey. So, I think. leaning into like the understanding and. having fun was ultimately why I was able. to, you know, go to three Olympics and. have success. And, you know, now I'm like there's kids. like, "I'm so stressed." I'm like, "What. are you stressed about? Cuz you want to. win? That means you care." Next thing. So, I've been able to go through each of. these ebbs and flows and have answers to.

most of them, which I think is the key. to. to to success, right? Everybody can be. really, really good. If you can unlock. the mind, that's when you become a. legend. And that's what I'm learning from people. who are legends of of, you know, taking. those risks and being crazy. Cuz, you know, it takes one person to. change the world, right? Just one person. to change the sport. And I think if I can be that person, then I've created a whole new road map. for the next kids to. Oh, wow, this is a different approach. for me, which has been a blessing. >> I love that. I love the idea of you.

going to Korea, learning a new school of thought. I love. the idea of being this multifaceted. individual because you're so right that. whether it's sports or whether it's. business, whatever it is, everyone. thinks that there's only one way to do. it right. And then you speak to all. these founders and you're like, no, they. all did something different. They. discovered their idea differently, they. built teams differently, and they took. their human experience and put it into. what they were doing, and that's what. made it as good as it was. I've really. been on this hype of wanting anyone,

whatever industry you're in, whether. it's sports, media, business, whatever. it is, finance, tech, to find what it is that makes you. different and lean into that, and not. lean into thinking, how do I look like. that other guy who's doing it as well? Because I think that time is gone. I. think that time existed. Back in the day. you had to wear the suit like that guy. wore, and you had to wear the shoes that. he wore, and you had to play golf like. him, or whatever it was. And I was like, that's changed now. It just doesn't work. that way. >> Exactly. You said it perfectly because. there's always a stigma like, I have to. do it I can't have a tattoo cuz I'm not.

going to get a job. I told my mom, I'll. be the first ever, not that money. matters, but I was like, I'll going to. ever millionaire fencer. It's like saying I'm going to see a. unicorn cuz it's never existed. But I. knew if I was just myself. it would figure itself out, right? Then. I have tattoos and then now cuz you're. getting tattoos because it's such a. still a little sub of sport and you. can't do these things. I'm like, no, why. not? You know, oh, I won't be in a. meeting with CEOs. I'm actually sitting. with the guy that made your phone and. I'm myself. Right? So like you said, I. think it's that time is gone.

But I think people are still so scared. to take a risk. And I think that's the difference. There's so many people that are the same. nowadays, which is I think the issue. And I think. if you can just honestly. be yourself, you'll figure out what what life is for. you. And I think I never wanted to be like. anybody else in sports or life in. general. And there were those times when I was. like, was this the right decision? But I. knew keep your head down, keep being you. and things will happen for you. And they. did. I used to think that fencing was. like my.

kind of anchor. I was a fencer, but that's actually my. gift. I used to tell a lot of people. like, oh yeah, I play basketball, you. know, just cuz like. >> I'd believe it, yeah. >> cuz there were people trying to make fun. of me or trying to fight me or. bully me in school, yeah, cuz I was a. fencer. >> Wow. >> Cuz to them it was not a cool sport. And. then now. my Instagram is fencer and I'm like, that's what I'm doing. That's my. purpose. Right? And Michael Strahan was. one of my great friends and mentor. always told me, never mess up your main. and keep that your main. I was like, fencing's my main. Everything else will come, but just. don't lose sight of what you were here.

on this planet to do. >> Did it affect you. between when your father left when you. were eight and then before you had your. now dad that you mentioned like, did. that affect you in any way like? >> I think it did for sure. And I think. there are times of like now that I'm. older and I can understand it like, why. are you getting into trouble? Why are you doing these things, right? I. think probably does stem from trauma or. stem from something because. why else would I be acting up? Like my. mom's an amazing mom. She's given me all. the right lessons. Like why is this happening? And.

obviously one of my best friends Lewis. was. like, you need to attack that into. understand that, right? Like why is this. happening? And I you know went on a spiritual I. went on a spiritual journey. and understood. oh wow. And I didn't talk to him for 10. for over 10 years. >> Oh wow. Your biological father? >> Yeah. And then you know I had this. awakening. picked up the phone and called him. I said, "Hey. Dad, this is Miles. How are you? I don't want to know about. the past. How's everything going? Because I also realized that.

kids don't realize that their parents. are growing up as well. And that was like, oh wow. Not saying right or wrong, but once I. did that it was like a. >> [gasps and sighs]. >> And then I think I started to just. understand way more about myself. So I. think definitely I had trauma. without even knowing it was trauma at. the time. And then now it's like I've got such a. clear understanding of. that probably made me who I am. So I almost wouldn't want it any other. way. And then my stepdad who is my dad.

is the is the most amazing person he. taught me how to be a man. And I think that's the coolest part is. having this kind of roller coaster. journey. created you know this person in front of. you, but I think not having that growing. up. somehow helped me. not take no for an answer and and and. really knock some doors down. So I think. it definitely was. a time when I had to be like, "Okay, why. are you getting in trouble? Why are you. getting arrested? What you know, why are. you doing these things?". >> Did you get arrested? >> Yeah, one time I was this stupid.

competition and I was like throwing. these. like shampoo bottles down just. >> [laughter]. >> and then it was a stupid I got. handcuffed and then my mom walked in. Oh, this is the worst story. And then my. mom walked in as it happened and I was. like. oh my god. [laughter]. >> You're more scared of your mom than the. cops. >> 100%. Oh my god. >> age for sure. >> And then it was just like these moments. of like, "Why are you getting in. trouble? Why are you getting in fights?". Just. you know, but I think it all stemmed. from. trauma that I was like small things like. I never had that.

uh what's it the birds and the bees talk. whatever that is your parent or the. small little things that I think are. important especially at that age. So I. think that was definitely a reason for. all of my. negative intakes was definitely probably. because. it was just my mom and she was trying. her best. Though she was crushing it but. she never complained and never saw her. cry I never saw her anything and now. she's now hopefully living the life but. she is the strongest man and woman I. know by far. >> What did your biological dad say when.

you called him after those 10 years? >> I remember yesterday it was like a. uh. hello? I was like yes Miles. He was like. hi son. and then I was like listen. I don't care about the past. Do you need. anything? How are you? Talk for about I want to say it was like. 45 seconds I think I remember seeing on. the phone. and then it was just like a whoa. But it was like a really nice. closing chapter and an opening chapter. >> Hm. >> I remember I posted about it cuz I was. very scared and especially like black.

men it's very common. You have a dad at. all you know and I talked about it. I. got so many lovely messages like I'm. going to call my dad. I was like oh wow. I didn't realize it was such a. a big thing to talk about. I've gone. through a lot in my life but they're all. blessings in a way but I think it's so. important to address. issues no matter how hard they are for. you at the time. Um yeah and now you know he's never seen. me fence before. which is crazy. And now I'm like. maybe that's maybe that's the time. You.

know who knows I'm open to it for the. first time cuz back in the day I was. like I'll never talk to you again. But now it's like. >> What opened you up to it? >> I think just the understanding that. everybody has their own issues whether. they're good or bad I have to understand. that as well. You know there's some things that he's. going on in his life that he hasn't told. me or certain things right and I think. just understanding that the parents are. still growing up in front of your eyes, they don't have the all the answers, was. like a oh, okay, Miles. Now I know the dad I will be when I have.

kids. >> Yeah. >> You know? So, I think that was really, really eye-opening for me to understand. that you're going to cry, cry, mate, you. know, that's all right. I remember I. didn't cry for like 16 years. Till I was like, I'm you know, just. stone cold, this and that, and I was. like, it's all right. And there's nothing. wrong with that. I think it's such a. stigma. And then now I was like, no, like, you. have emotions, like that those are all. okay. So, I think that was just a massive. learning process for me. Which helped me in in in my sports. Cuz. now I was like, I can do anything.

>> That was harder. >> That was way harder. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Calling him was way harder than any. training session I've ever done in my. life. I could have done Mount Everest. over over a phone call. I'm not kidding. >> I think people underestimate how much a. lot of our physical and mental blocks. are actually emotional. If we were able to get past and do the. emotional thing, then we'd be able to do physical and. mental things that we don't even think. is possible. But we're all blocking ourselves and. limiting ourselves because there's some.

sort of emotional unlock that we haven't. allowed, whether it's forgiveness, resilience, courage, fear, whatever it. may be. And that's really powerful to hear, man. Thank you for sharing that. >> It feels as good to talk about, you. know, cuz it's like I almost forgot. we're on a podcast. It felt like we were. just, you know, we were just having a. chat. >> just chatting, yeah. >> And I think that's the cool thing, it's. like. emotions are your best friend, right? If. you're feeling a certain way, you can. either lead into it, just don't let that. dictate your entire day. So, I think. that's something that I learned as well. If I'm feeling this way,

let it out, and then move on. And then. it it all ties into just understanding. who you are at the core. Cuz I finally. know now who Miles is. Cuz I have to take those, you know, heart to the mirror, figure out take take the losses with all. the wins, and now understand that, okay, now I've got a clear path of what I want. to do. >> How did you develop all these mindsets. and principles? Where did you learn them. from? Because you're like I'm like. talking to a philosopher over here. [laughter] Like. No, but I mean it and I'm saying it in a. positive sense that you've got it almost. feels like you've got these codes that.

you follow and you're you programmed. your mind to think in this certain way. Where did you pick them up from along. the way? >> My mom said the same thing recently and. I and I don't really know where they've. come from, but I just feel like. if you're going to have to do something, right? Why not try and do it with a. smile on your face, right? If I got to. go to training if I'm hungry or not, I have to do it anyway and I think. one of the biggest moments which I'll. talk about right now which I don't like. to talk about no one really knows, but. the first Olympic qualifier, I was on.

the way to I believe Vegas to to support. Lewis for the race, my sister suffered a stroke. 37 years old. That was probably the. hardest. moment I've ever had to. kind of understand. And I forget about the Olympics. All right, I flew to Miami, opened the door and I see my sister with. a with a feeding tube and a breathing. tube. Unfortunately, you know, it it's.

it's the times when. you have to just lean into it and that. was the first time I became a man. And it's the first time I ever saw my. mom cry. Sorry, mom. But. I just was like, okay, this is happening. How do we. find some type of silver lining in this. moment? And, you know, sitting in the hospital, writing things down, journaling, all those past situations prepared me.

for this. I was able to. just be a umbrella for the for the. family and I think that was. the moment where I I like, okay, wow, I I this. You know, I've got two beautiful kids, you know, obviously this is, you know, domestic violence, which is which is one. thing which is. awful. And I think this is my sister who as a. brother, she understands. all I want to do is, you know, is take. care of my sister. And you know, there's certain things. that, you know, she won't tell you all.

these things because she knows what her. what her what her brother would want to. do. And I I was like, "Okay, Miles, we're going to figure this out." And I. was able to. make the Olympic team, which probably. the first time anybody's going to know. while dealing with this. I'd fly from. Japan to Miami, spend some time in the. hospital, help out with the kids, changing nappies for the first time, you know, just being there for my family. and my mom and and dad. did the most incredible job I've ever. seen of just becoming parents again.

And I think that's. where whoever you believe in. is is testing you because he knows you. can handle it. And I realized that I can handle. anything. And it was kind of. compartmentalizing. this is. you know, going from the hospital ICU to. a competition. and somehow doing well. is the biggest accomplishment I could I. don't even know how I did it, to be. honest with you. I've got no idea. So, making the Olympics was like. that was nothing. So, I think.

that's when you feel helpless, right? And you feel like. I can't do anything because I literally. can't do anything but just give positive. love energy. And I figured out a way to. if I can make my my family feel at ease. or smile and, you know, that's going to. help through this process. That to me was the first time I became a. man. 100%. So, now talking about it and. and, you know, showing people what I had. to go through, I think you realize. why I go so hard because.

there's nothing that will stop me or can. stop me. Because I've seen my you know, my sister. on. those ICUs, which is the scariest place. to be. And as a brother, you know, making her. smile and doing these things is why. you're put on this on this planet Earth. And I think you got people around you. to talk about it. Um, you know, Louis. would fly in and see my sister. You know, that's the most emotional. thing I've ever been through is just. time and support. Knowing how busy he is. and and, you know, Spins just being.

there for me is like. beautiful. So, I think if I can. take that. and. as like my Dragon Ball Z and, you know, build that up and give it to the world. We I can we can do anything. >> Thank you for sharing. How is she now? >> She's getting much better. Yeah, thank. you. She's, you know, she's actually in. London. >> Oh, no. >> Yeah, with a match. She can fly again. and. >> Okay. >> you know, she's obviously recovery, you. know, stroke is very extreme. So, she. still has to learn speech stuff back and.

>> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> But, she can function on her own and. she's stronger than me. So, and as, you know, as I'm still her. little brother, but I became a big big. big brother at that time. >> I've seen people I know go through. strokes and it's, I mean, yeah, it's one. of the most scary things to watch. someone you love go through. >> At 37. >> At 37. That's yeah, that's. >> Healthy. Run marathons. I can't run a. marathon. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, you got to, you know, choose your. partner right and stress is is is a real. thing. >> Yeah, it puts everything into. perspective those moments. >> It's funny because.

at that time the Olympics is is. everything for me. When you get there, perspective is mad because it's like. that's actually the the the the smallest. thing you could accomplish in my life. because it's. obviously. different things I want to do in my. life, but it's funny how like at that. time it's kind of make it my life is. over. You know, and then you make it, you're. like. I'm so grateful, but there's so much. more to life than just that. >> Miles, what are you most proud of. in your life? Cuz you talked about the. hardest times, most difficult times. What are you most proud of so far?

>> Never losing Miles along this journey. I'm still the 12-year-old kid just 6'5. covered in tattoos. And changing my sport forever. is probably the two things I'm most. proud of. Winning's great. But changing a sport is bigger than any. Olympic gold medal I could ever win. I. got a message recently that this kid. used to get bullied in school. Um a black kid as well from North. Carolina. Mom sent me a message. He showed them pictures of pictures of. me at school and that changed.

which is crazy to me. Right? So like that to me is so cool. If I can just be a beacon of light to. these kids, I've done my job. I think that's what. I'm most proud of. >> You see you're like getting emotional. about it. >> Yeah, I never thought man. I never in my. life thought I would ever have impact on. these kids. Never. Cuz in fencing I never had anyone. that I wanted to look look up to or be. like. So if I can. see these kids, you know, at the league. they come to me and they're like, "I. love you." I'm like,

I love you know, it's. >> [laughter]. >> I love you too, but it's so beautiful to. have this love from them. And the. parents are like, "Oh, you're so nice. and kind and normal." I'm like, yeah. My my parents raised me to be this. way. I think. at the end of the day we're all human. beings. And. as long as you got a good heart and good. core, I think that that's that's the most. important thing. >> Definitely, definitely. And you're. you're surrounded by that too. I mean. like, you know, you mentioned Lewis. there as well. Like he's so humble. He's. so down to earth. Like you would never. know. You would never know. Like, you. know, he's the most honest human guy. So.

like, who are the other athletes that. you admire, that you talk to, that you. pick their brain, that you try and. understand their process as well and how. they live life? >> Well, one was definitely Kobe. You know, like asking him questions. like, "Do you really watch like lions. eating prey before. you know?" He's like, "Yeah.". >> [laughter]. >> And I'm like, "Oh my god." And just like. that mentality is so. rare. You guys why he's, you know, the. mentality. That's one of them for sure.

Michael Strahan as well. He's been an. amazing person of transitional from. athlete to. post athlete. But yeah, there's not that. too many I've spent too much time with. where you're able to like sit down and. really kind of dissect you. >> You're all busy. Everyone's got a crazy. schedule. Athletes have the craziest. schedules. >> You know, it's I understand your time is. just there's not my mom might be the. wrong time or whatever, but I would say. definitely I'll say Lewis Michael, Kobe. Those are the kind of people that I've. been able to, you know, you as well. Um.

>> I've known athletes. >> Like you said, you know, if you I think. understanding your thoughts is the. hardest part. But yeah, there's not many. I've really had the opportunity to spend. time with beyond just hi, I respect what. you do and best of luck. >> Miles, what have I not asked you that. you wish I did? What have you not. shared? What have you not talked about? >> Maybe all great great questions. Geez. >> I was just curious, man. I was like, you. know, we just had fun last summer and. that's all thanks to Lewis. Big shout. out to Lewis for. connecting us, but I'm like, we just had. a good time and I was like, I want to.

get to know this guy, you know, cuz. you're obviously operating at a high. level, but I didn't realize and this is. what I love about doing this. This is. why I love this podcast so much is. because. I thought the most interesting thing was. what you did. And now I'm sitting with. you, I'm like, no, what you've been. through and what you've lived through. and what you've learned is so much more. interesting. And and I think that's the. reason why the podcast is called On. Purpose because it's people's purpose. and their mission and their values and. their belief is so much more fascinating. than what we do for work. What we do for. work is great, it's cool, but beyond.

that, there's a whole human that, you. know, that lives and exists. >> Exactly, exactly. And the human is like. what keeps us going, it's the heart. rate, it's everything, but at the end of. the day, we have these gifts in life and. it's like, how are you going to use. these in the best way possible, right? So, from little kid from London to having. two Nike shoes never in my life, to. creating a to a fencing league. It's just all you need in life is. self-belief. I have a tattooed right. here. That's all you need in life.

If you have those, you know, pinnacles. and those beliefs, you can do anything. And I think, you know, meeting you is. someone who I've been a fan of before. getting to know you. It's all he's even more incredible in. person because you. you're the same on camera and off. camera, which very few people are like. that, especially in the field you I. think that's the case. And when people. see me, they're like, "Oh, you're nice. and funny." I'm like, "Yeah. Well, what. did you think I was?" So, yeah, you guys were a bad influence on.

me. I played poker for the first time in 20. years cuz of these guys. I hadn't played. for 20 years and the fact that I won. that night I was pretty impressed. You. smoked us. What do you mean? >> [laughter]. >> You destroyed us. Watching Louis go down. was the best bit there. Yeah, and he was. like, "I'm buying in again." I was like, "Okay, well, send me some money, bro. Let's buy you I hadn't played for 20. years, but I was like, you know, I want. to bond with the guys. Yeah. Want to. stay up, you know, want to hang out and. stuff. You guys were a bad influence on. me for sure. No, but you're one of us. now, you know? You're in the wolf pack. But it's That's what I'm so grateful. for. It's like connections beyond just,

you know, these kind of surface level. It's like I know that if I was to ever. like talk to you about something, you'd. give me an honest answer. I think that's. the key. It's I never want any friends. or people around me that it's like, "Oh, you're doing good." It's like, "Let. me be real with you." I think that's the. key. It's whoever is around you is a. reflection of yourself. So, like you. know, all the boys, Spence, they're all. just amazing humans. that pushed me to be a better person. I. think that's the key to why we're so. special in our crew is because we keep. each other accountable, we support each. other, and we generally want each other.

to win. For to I think is a very rare. thing for people, especially men in. general. I was about to say, that's. what's so impressive about it is that. it's a group of men who are killing it. on their sports, like doing incredible. things, but at the same time have this. like brotherhood that you guys have all. built with each other, that feels like a massive massive thing. to be proud of, especially when right. now men are there's so much loneliness. for men across the world. >> Yeah. >> Especially in the States, the loneliness. statistics are so high. And men don't. know how to connect with each other,

they can't pick up the phone to each. other. What would you say to a man who's. lonely, doesn't know how to pick up the. phone to his friend and tell him how he. feels? What would you say? >> This quote was was we're just passing. through. And I tattooed it here where. it's whatever moment you're feeling, know that's not forever. Right? And I think that's something to. understand is like this is not going to. be forever, but also. people want to know what is really going. on with you. And I think it's not you're. not a burden. It's actually a gift to be able to like. have your friends.

you know, be honest and true to. themselves about you. Like that's. actually. I'd love to hear that. Like it actually. lightens my day, whether it's a a sad. thing it's like, oh no, he really cares. about me because he's coming to me as. one of his last, you know, kind of. resorts. So, I would just say. you're leaning to however you're. feeling, but please. just call your friends. Like you're never alone. I'm grateful. that I've. never been in that situation, but if I. ever was, I know I could call any of my. boys up and they'll get me through it. If you lose a race, lose a competition,

I'm going to call you like, bro, this is. how I feel. And then you feel better. Just know that. this emotion is not forever. And it's actually beautiful to talk to. your friends about it because it. actually makes me feel good knowing that. you're coming to me. So, someone's like. it it's therapy for for for the both of. us. >> What's that? >> Yeah, just just talk. And I and being. lonely like is I don't want anyone to. feel lonely. If I see a little kid at. the club or at a competition, I'll just. go up to them. Hey man, how are you? You. all right?

It takes 2 seconds. And that might be like, oh, he said hi. to me. Like that might change that. everything. Also, I think knowing. your your purpose and your. celebrity. in our minds of the fencing world. Those moments change lives and I think. seeing that is is is really really cool. You know, I'll be driving sometimes I'll. just I'll just scream, "I love you.". Why not? >> Yeah. You know, those small little. gestures. >> are just nice. And I think, you know, I'm just generally a happy person, but.

if I can. actually really really I love you with. this is. Spence's message to me and it was a. quote it was like, "I make people feel better when they've. left me.". >> And that was the best thing I could, you. know, I could ever He sent it to me. I. was like, >> That is the best thing. >> Like that feels, you know, >> That's my favorite type of person. >> You know? Like that feels so nice. You're like, "Oh, I feel good now.". >> Yeah. >> So if I can if I can be that, please. >> Sam walk us through the gear cuz it's. going to bring back some memories for. me, of course. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Yeah, so. >> I got two. So this is. These are my babies here.

So we have two masks. >> What's the difference in the masks? >> Just like. >> Just the swag. >> Yeah, yeah, just the swag. >> Okay. >> Um. And then you can see through these. Yeah, perfectly. >> Okay. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. This is actually a gift for me. Gift to. you. >> Oh, no way. >> to sign it to you, yeah. >> No, no way. >> Yeah, yeah, so this is This is all on my. Olympic ones I use. >> No. >> Yeah. >> Dude, that's very kind. >> Yeah, and that's a gift. >> I'm going to put that up in the studio. That's it. >> That's literally one I used. >> You got to sign this for me. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that's so cool. >> I used four and I And so that's that's. one of them, yeah. >> that means a lot, man. Thank you so. much. That's amazing. What What an.

honor. That's so cool. This is sick. >> So this is the a foil that I use. And all of them are like customly made. for your hands, right? So like this is. molded specifically for my hand. And. this is the one that I train with. And. then this is. the tip now, which is what you know, but. >> We used to have the rubber thing on. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, so that's like what. you would train with normally, but this. is like what I practice with like. competition wise. >> Can I hold it? >> Yeah, of course. >> This is like So this has been made. specifically for your hand. >> Yeah, so you're going to put your thumb. towards the end of it.

>> Yeah. >> So right at at right towards the guard. >> Like this. >> Yeah, underneath it and then grip it. >> Like that. >> Yeah. >> Wow. Yeah, that's the grip strength in. that is crazy, too. >> My forearm has a massive muscle here. because it's like all grip strength. >> Wow. >> Yeah. And I have like, you know, a bunch. of them. >> Is there a difference in any of them or. no, they just you just have multiple for. >> I I'll like name them. And like this is. my baby number one, whatever. >> But they're all the same weight. >> Yeah, all the way same weight. Try me. the same balance if you can. Like like you can, you know, about the. balance. >> What does the balance tell you like. >> So like if it's more here, then it means.

it's more tip heavy. And then if it goes. back more, then it's more guard heavy. >> So this is guard heavy. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Cuz it just keeps tipping that way. >> Yeah. So cuz my. >> And what difference does that make when. you're fighting? >> For me it doesn't really matter. But. like sometimes if you want to attack. them more, then it's it's easier if it's. more tip heavy. >> Got it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> But for the most part, you can kind of. just. >> Yeah. >> It's kind of crazy this is my job. >> Yeah, I know, I know. >> This one is one that I. won, I forget which world cup with, but. this is um one that you're going to have. as well. >> Oh, what? Oh, what? Dude, you guys just.

keep giving me gifts. >> No, those two I want to give you. something that that I've used. >> is that's what I. >> Those two are legitimate gifts for you. >> Dude, you're kidding. You don't have to. do that. That's too generous. >> I wanted it and then and then the tip. broke off. on someone. >> Oh, wow. >> So there's a story behind it when we. when we were competing. >> a mark on them as well. >> Yeah. So you can literally say like yeah, I. almost if it was olden days, it might. have went through them. But those. I'm going to give you. >> Oh, that's very kind. This is going to. go up in the studio. This is. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> This is such a cool gift. >> Cuz I bring like three or four with me.

And then I was like, I'm going to give. Jay a gift. >> Oh, thank you, man. That's I'm touched. I'm really touched. >> No, it's it's really it's honestly a. pleasure. >> Thank you, man. That means a lot. >> And now when I'm competing, oh look, he's got one here. >> to sign this for me then. >> Yeah, I will for sure. >> Yeah, you're going to sign this for. sure. >> 100%. >> Amazing. >> But yeah, this is this is. crazy this is my world and. >> Was it hard to decide whether you fought. for America or England? >> Yeah, I mean my lawyer sister tells me. every other day. But I'm like if you can. get me knighted, bro, we'll see. >> Oh, yeah. >> But I did it. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Well, I didn't realize I was going to be.

a professional fencer. I did it cuz we. needed instead of an O-2 visa, we needed. to just stay in the country. And then my. little sister was born in New York, and. then that's how we got our citizenship. And then I was like, oh wow, and then it. was too late. Did they try to have me do. media training? I was like, to switch my. accent. >> Yeah. >> You know, cuz they're all like, I'm from. London. And then I was like, I'm not I'm. not I'm I'm not going to change it. >> Yeah, of course. >> But, you know, obviously, you know, America's done amazing things for me, so. I'm grateful for this country. Um, but. obviously, I was born in, you know, St. Mary's Hospital, so. >> Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> I'm still a London boy. But yeah.

>> So cool, man. Thank you for these gifts. >> My pleasure, mate. >> It's amazing. >> I always like to come somewhere and give. someone something. >> No, that's very very thoughtful. That is. very thoughtful. >> Yeah, yeah, I thought. >> Miles, this has been amazing. Honestly, I feel like I got to know you on such a. deep level. This is the good thing about. a podcast, too. Even when you think you. know someone, you sit down and talk to. them for like an hour and a half and. you're like, oh wait a minute, I didn't. realize. We end every episode of On. Purpose with a final five. These. questions have to be answered in one. sentence, maximum. >> It's okay. >> Miles Chamley-Watson, this is your final. five. Question number one, what is the. best advice you've ever heard or.

received? >> It's never lost, it's always a lesson. >> Good advice. Uh, question number two, what's the worst advice you've ever. heard or received? >> That you should never show emotion. >> Oh, that's a great answer. I don't think. we've ever had that on the show. I like. that. Question number three, what makes a good friend? >> Someone. who you can call no matter what, who's. always there for you, and who calls you. not wanting anything. >> That's the best phone call when neither. of you need nothing, yeah. >> Two hours of talking about nothing.

>> Yeah, I talk to my best man, who is my. best man at my wedding, my best friend. for the last 20 years. I talk to him. three times a week on the phone. Cuz. we're never catching up. I already know. what's going on in his life. There's not. Yeah, and there's never asking each. other for anything. It's amazing. Question number four, what's something that you used to value. that you don't value anymore? >> Something that I used to value is. other people's attention. Something that I. value now. is people's time.

You know, one thing I can think of is. obviously the my league debut is and and. obviously having. someone come there to support me knowing. how busy they are. showing up for me knowing how important. your time is. means so much to me because I know. that that time was was occupied. So, knowing that your time is so. important that you chose to spend it. with me. it is is. bigger than doing anything for me. >> Fifth and final question we ask assist. every guest who's ever been on the show. If you could create one law that. everyone in the world had to follow,

what would it be? >> No matter the color of the of the. person's skin you give them a hug. >> It's a good one. I like it. >> A hug can cure everything. Can I ask you a question? >> Yeah, go on. >> What's the most thing that you're proud. of? >> There's I'd say two things. One is when. I get messages that say, you know, your. work stopped me from committing suicide. or helped me through my divorce or. made me chase my dream or quit my job or. whatever it was. And getting to message. that person back and say I didn't do it, you did. Like I love that because I like.

reminding people that I don't have the. answers. They already know what they. want to do. I'm just glad that something I someone I. interviewed, someone I sat down with had. that impact on them. And the second thing I'd say is that I. feel like I'm really grateful. that I get to be. the. postman for this 5,000-year-old. tradition. So, just as you're the face of fencing, for me I got to study this Eastern. tradition of the Gita, the Bhagavad. Gita, which is a book which is 5,000. years old. And I'm just today's messenger of it.

And I'll be forgotten and that's all. good, but the message continues on and I. feel so grateful that I get to be the. messenger for an empire that is much. bigger than I am and much longer lasting. than I am and how lucky I am that I get. to be that person. So, yeah, those would. be my two. >> Well, don't flip any more questions, Miles. >> No, no, no. That That's That was an. amazing answer. My mom sends me lots of. clips and half of them are from you. >> [laughter]. >> It's amazing. But keep doing what you're. doing, man, and grateful to call you a. friend. But what you do is.

is remarkable. >> Appreciate it, Miles. Everyone who's. been listening and watching, make sure. you clip this up, share it on social. media, let me know what resonated. Miles. dropped so many gems. I feel like there. were so many nuggets of wisdom. He's. been dropping more quotes than I did. today. So, make sure you clip them up. I. want to see what resonated with you, what connected with you. And of course, if you're an aspiring fencer, aspiring. athlete, aspiring anything, I think. there's so many great mindset pieces in. this episode that will help you get to. where you want to be. Big thank you to. Miles again for coming through. Excited.

to keep supporting you, keep building. our friendship. And let this be the. first of many. So. >> Thank you. It's an honor. I'll see you. soon. >> Thank you. Absolutely, man. If you love. this episode, you'll love my. conversation with four-time Grand Slam. champion Aryna Sabalenka, where she. reflects on her latest victory and the. mental battles that almost broke her. along the way. >> For me, success is the discipline that. you put in. Be there every morning, every practice, doesn't matter how you. feel, doesn't matter if you want it.