Jay Shetty PodcastHow the World's TOP Fencer Stays Unshakable Under Pressure (Use This Habit!)
CHAPTERS
Miles Chamley-Watson’s origin story: not fitting in, moving countries, and early trouble
Miles shares early memories of feeling different—growing up in London, moving to New York at a formative age, and acting out in school. He connects his behavior to instability at home and struggling to find belonging.
A “punishment” that became purpose: discovering fencing and why it ‘saved my life’
Miles explains how fencing—originally offered as a ‘mental sport’ punishment—became the outlet that focused his ADHD energy and changed his trajectory. The sport gave him confidence, structure, and a sense of superhero-like identity behind the mask.
The mentors who called his shot: coaches, citizenship, and ‘learn to lose before you win’
Miles credits early mentors and coaches for seeing his potential and guiding key life decisions. He emphasizes why elite athletes need mentors and shares the mindset tattoo that anchors his approach to competition and character.
Losing at the Olympics, meeting Kobe, and the habit of a ‘short memory’
He recounts the devastation of falling short in London 2012 and how it felt like he’d let everyone down. A chance interaction with Kobe Bryant reframed loss and success as events to acknowledge briefly, then move past—fueling Miles’ breakthrough year.
Breaking barriers as a Black fencer: bias, loneliness, and turning pain into drive
Miles describes experiencing discrimination in a predominantly white sport—from being picked last to questionable penalties and racial gestures. He explains how he channeled anger into competitive focus and committed to being a visible role model for the next generation.
Changing fencing’s future: the World Fencing League and making the sport mainstream
Miles talks about launching the World Fencing League to modernize and popularize fencing. He frames the impact—diversity, production, audience growth—as more meaningful than medals, because it expands opportunity and belonging.
Inside an elite fencer’s training: ‘physical chess’ and the athletic demands
Miles explains fencing as a blend of explosive speed, timing, and high-level mental calculation. He outlines conditioning, sparring, private lessons, and the unique physical requirements—grip strength, legs, core, and rapid heart-rate recovery.
Reading opponents and national styles: anticipation, creativity, and making your own moves
The conversation shifts to tactics—how to anticipate opponents through mannerisms and footwork, plus differences in national fencing cultures. Miles also shares his creative process, practicing alone to invent techniques and remain unpredictable.
Safety and the sport’s darker history: when fencing was truly lethal
Miles recounts a tragic historical incident where a broken blade caused a fatal injury, highlighting how modern technology changed safety standards. The story underscores how intense and real sword fighting once was, and why today’s safeguards matter.
Competition-day calm: avoiding overthinking, embracing pressure, and being different on purpose
Miles details his unconventional approach to pressure: he avoids scouting too early, doesn’t dwell on fencing the night before, and prioritizes rest and presence. He reframes expectations as a privilege and leans into being a non-traditional athlete in an elitist sport.
Olympic journey and growth: enjoying the process, taking risks, and evolving as an athlete
Miles reflects on how his approach changed from hyper-seriousness to enjoying the journey—leading to better performance. He shares examples of experimenting (training in Korea) and learning that routines should fit the individual, not the other way around.
Family wounds and healing: estranged father, masculinity, and allowing emotion
Miles opens up about father absence, acting out as a kid, and later reconnecting with his biological father after a decade. He challenges the ‘never show emotion’ myth and explains how emotional courage strengthened his performance and identity.
When life feels helpless: sister’s stroke, resilience, and finding silver linings under strain
Miles describes learning his sister suffered a stroke at 37 and the shock of seeing her in intensive care. He explains how he supported his family while still qualifying for the Olympics, and how this crisis redefined what pressure really means.
Values through success: staying ‘Miles,’ role models, brotherhood, and what’s in the gear bag
In the closing stretch, Miles shares what he’s most proud of—staying true to himself and changing fencing for kids who feel unseen. He names role models, discusses male friendship and loneliness, then ends with a hands-on walkthrough of his masks and foils (gifting Jay signed gear) and a rapid-fire ‘Final Five.’
