Peter Westbrook, the first Black American fencer to win an Olympic medal and a transformative figure in the world of sports mentorship, has died at the age of 72. His death, due to complications from cancer, was confirmed on Friday by the Peter Westbrook Foundation (PWF), the organization he founded to support underserved youth.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, PWF Board Chair Robert Cottingham expressed the organization’s loss: “Peter passed peacefully, surrounded by family, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. His legacy will endure through the countless lives he impacted.”
Westbrook broke barriers in 1984 at the Los Angeles Olympics, where he earned a bronze medal in individual saber. His achievement was a historic milestone, marking the first fencing medal for a Black American and the first for the United States in 36 years. Over his five Olympic appearances, spanning from the 1976 Montreal Games to the 1996 Atlanta Games, Westbrook cemented his place as a pioneer in the sport.
In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the United States Fencing Hall of Fame, a fitting honor for a career that inspired generations.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Westbrook devoted his life to empowering young people. In 1991, he founded the Peter Westbrook Foundation in New York City, using fencing as a vehicle to mentor and guide underserved youth. The program not only provided access to the sport but also fostered discipline and academic success, producing seven Olympians, including Lauren Scruggs, a recent Olympic gold medalist in women’s team foil.
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“Peter was the heart and soul of our organization,” the foundation shared in a statement. “His commitment to athletic excellence and civic engagement created opportunities for countless scholar-athletes. His absence will be profoundly felt, but his impact will endure.”
Born on April 16, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri, Peter Westbrook was raised in Newark, New Jersey, by his Japanese mother, Mariko Wada-Westbrook, and Black American father. Mariko introduced him to fencing as a way to keep him focused during challenging times. Her guidance led to a scholarship at New York University, where he won the NCAA saber championship in 1973, launching his international career.
Westbrook’s influence extended beyond sports. He served on the U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors and frequently spoke about the transformative power of athletics, advocating before Congress for programs that foster personal growth through sports.
Peter Westbrook is survived by his wife, Susann; his stepson, Dorian Miles, Sr.; his sister, Vivian; and several grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, according to family spokesperson Corinne Cater.
Westbrook’s life exemplified the power of perseverance, mentorship, and breaking barriers. His impact will continue to resonate through the lives of those he mentored and the doors he opened for future generations in fencing and beyond.
