Fencing Gets a Modern Makeover

Fencing, one of the oldest Olympic sports, is getting a major update. Miles Chamley-Watson, a three-time Olympian, is launching the World Fencing League (WFL) in 2026. This new league aims to make fencing more exciting and easier to understand for fans. The WFL will use advanced technology to track the fencers' movements in real-time. This will make the fast-paced action clearer on TV. The league will also feature a mix of male and female athletes competing together. This is a big step towards making fencing more inclusive and appealing to a wider audience. Chamley-Watson believes that fencing deserves to be a mainstream sport. He points out that many people only see fencing during the Olympics. The WFL wants to change that by providing more opportunities for fans to watch and enjoy the sport regularly. The league is also focusing on developing new talent. It plans to create a clear path for young fencers to become professionals. This includes better training programs and more competitions. The WFL hopes to inspire kids around the world to take up fencing. Another goal of the WFL is to address inequalities in the sport. Many athletes from developing countries struggle to compete due to lack of resources. The league plans to use sponsorship and broadcast revenue to support these athletes. This will help create a more level playing field. The WFL will start with a showcase event in Los Angeles. After that, it plans to expand to other regions, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. By the end of 2026, the league aims to have a full season of competitions. For Chamley-Watson, this project is about more than just winning medals. He wants to build something that inspires millions of kids to take up fencing. He believes that creating a professional league will make the sport more accessible and exciting for everyone.