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BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2025: THEO AYANWALE

BF celebrates Black History Month with epee referee and fencer Theo Ayanwale. We find out how he got involved in fencing, what he enjoys about fencing, and his message to the fencing community.

Theo Ayanwale refereeing at the 2023 National Para Fencing Championships in Swansea.

October is Black History Month in the UK, an annual month that celebrates and reflects on Black history, arts and culture, as well as recognising the achievements and roles of Black people in shaping history.

To celebrate Black History Month, throughout October we are asking some of the members of our community to tell us more about themselves and their lives in fencing.

Introduce yourself.

I’m Theo Ayanwale. I fence at Salle Paul in London and I fence epee. I’m also a referee, both on the international and local circuit.

How did you get into fencing?

I started fencing in secondary school. I had a teacher who happened to also be a fencing coach, and so we started fencing there. I stopped after I left school but I got back into it through a holiday club – I think it was Butlin’s or Center Parcs – and I’ve been at it ever since, on and off. So I’ve been fencing for about 20 years, on and off.

What do you love about fencing?

It’s mentally challenging, it’s physically challenging, it’s an individual sport, even though there are some team dynamics, but it really is about you problem-solving for yourself at any given time. If you’re ahead, you’ve got to learn how to stay ahead. If you’re behind, you’ve got to find a way to bring yourself back into the frame so that you can frustrate and challenge your opponent, but also challenge yourself to be better.

What’s your message to the fencing community?

I have so many, but I think the biggest message I have is be yourself, strive to be the very best, do not allow a situation that is not to your liking to put you in a position whereby you think you have to give up. Just because you’re down, it doesn’t mean that you will stay down. A bend in the road is not the end of the road.

Why should people fence?

It’s the best sport alive!