SCAD student becomes first male Taiwanese foil fencer in Olympics in 36 years

Caption

Antonio Chen after qualifying for the Olympics.

Credit: Courtesy of SCAD

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) student Antonio Chen (Yi-tung Chen) spends most of his day in graphic design classes. But what sets Chen apart is how he spends the rest of his day: in fencing practice. And in May, his dream came true as Chen became just the sixth male Taiwanese foil fencer – and the first in 36 years – to qualify for the Olympics. 

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped me along this remarkable journey and can’t wait to be in Paris this summer,” Chen said via email to Rough Draft. 

Chen began fencing in the third grade after he tried the sport at a summer camp in Taiwan and fell in love. He advanced quickly, making the national team at just 13 years old. 

When he was 15, he made the senior team for the 2018 Asian Games, and won his first medal in the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Olympics. When COVID-19 hit, Chen’s progress was set back as international competitions were suspended, but he returned to international competition by the end of 2022.

During that time, Chen’s coach in Taiwan was contacted by Dmitri Romankov, SCAD’s fencing head coach, who recruited Chen. SCAD allowed Chen to fence with a legendary fencing coach while also obtaining a graphic design degree. All the while, Chen was supported by his family back home. 

“I have two supportive parents and two younger brothers who have always encouraged me in my pursuit of being an elite fencer,” he said. “While I have spent a lot of time traveling to different countries to compete, I think it has made me appreciate my home country of Taiwan even more.”

Chen described a “sense of relief” after scoring the winning touché against Samuel Elijah of Singapore in the 2024 Asia Oceania Zonal Olympic Fencing Qualifiers in the United Arab Emirates. He also noted that his emotions only really started pouring in on his flight back to Atlanta.

“I couldn’t believe my dream of being an Olympian was coming true!” Chen said. 

Chen is looking forward to fencing on the Grand Palais. He’s enjoyed his previous visits to Paris and always goes to the museums and art galleries while he’s there. But mostly, he’s excited to compete. 

And though Taiwan will compete under the name “Chinese Taipei,” Chen takes pride in what he’s accomplished for his country. 

“It’s a big moment for my family and for Taiwan’s fencing,” he said. “Taiwan was never considered a strong fencing country, so this is a huge breakthrough for us and one I am proud to be a part of. Hopefully, with this step forward, Taiwan’s fencing will receive even more support!”

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Rough Draft Atlanta.