Pioneering Olympic fencer Peter Westbrook dies at 72 in New York

Peter Westbrook, a pioneering Olympic fencing medallist, died on November 29 in New York City at age 72 after a two-year battle with cancer. He was the first African-Asian American to win an Olympic medal in fencing, earning bronze in 1984. Westbrook founded the Peter Westbrook Foundation in 1991 to support underprivileged youth through fencing. His commitment to athletic excellence and mentorship was highlighted by the foundation's chairperson, who noted his significant impact on many lives. Born on April 16, 1952, in Kansas City, Westbrook was raised in Newark, New Jersey. He began fencing in high school, later earning a full scholarship to New York University, where he won an NCAA title in 1973.