From NYU Athletics

Grant Williams (Atlanta, GA/The Galloway School) of the New York University fencing team competed at the North American Cup in Kansas City, MO, on Friday, October 18.

The tournament is used to accrue points in pursuit of qualification for the U.S. Olympic Fencing Team. In kansas City, Williams competed in the Division I Men's Sabre event.

Following competition in a round-robin pool used for seeding, Williams moved forward and earned a first-round bye.

In the direct elimination competition, Williams defeated his first three opponents by scores of 15-6, 15-12, and 15-13, respectively. He then beat James Linder 15-11 to reach the quarterfinals. 

At that point, Williams faced Karol Metryka, the 2019 NCAA National Champion in sabre from Penn State University and defeated him 15-10.

Moving on to the semifinals, Williams squared off against Daryl Homer, a silver medalist at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. In a close match, Williams fell to Homer 15-12, finishing the tournament in a tie for third place.

"Grant is an exceptional student and athlete," said Head Coach Steve Mormando. "He has a real shot at both making the Olympics and doing well at the NCAA Championships. He's a versatile athlete who displays great defense and offense, and it's great to have him back with us."

Williams, who earned NCAA All-America honors during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, did not compete with the NYU fencing team last season in order to train for the Olympics.