He was a renowned American saber fencer, celebrated for his accomplishments in national and international competitions. Westbrook made history as the first African American to win the U.S. National Men’s Sabre Championship, securing the title 13 times from 1974 to 1995. His impressive career spanned multiple Olympic Games and Pan American Games, where he earned numerous medals, including an Olympic bronze medal in 1984, marking a groundbreaking achievement for both African Americans and Asian Americans in the sport.
Westbrook’s is a son of an African-American father and a Japanese mother, he was aided by his mother alone in poverty in a Newark ghetto. His journey in fencing began during his teenage years when he was enrolled at Essex Catholic High School in Newark, New Jersey. Despite a challenging upbringing, his talent in fencing was nurtured under the guidance of various mentors, including his coach at New York University, Hugo Castello. He went on to become a celebrated athlete, competing in five Olympic Games and earning recognition for his dedication and skill. His exceptional performances at the Pan American Games, where he earned multiple gold and silver medals, solidified his legacy as one of the best saber fencers in history.
Beyond his athletic success, Westbrook made a profound impact on the sport through his philanthropic work. In 1996, he founded the Peter Westbrook Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at using fencing as a tool for empowering young people, particularly from underserved communities in New York City. The foundation has since produced Olympic-level athletes, including Akhi Spencer-El, Ibtihaj Muhammad, and Keeth Smart. Westbrook’s commitment to giving back and helping the next generation of fencers excel academically and athletically became a cornerstone of his legacy.
Westbrook’s literary contribution, Harnessing Anger: The Way of an American Fencer, published in 1997, offered insight into his struggles and triumphs, detailing how his early life challenges shaped his fencing career. His story resonated with many, and the book was nominated for the American Library Association’s Book of the Year Award.
After retiring from competitive fencing, Westbrook continued to contribute to the sport and his community through his foundation. His passion for coaching, mentoring, and inspiring youth endured until his passing on November 29, 2024, at the age of 72, after a battle with liver cancer. His passing marks the end of a remarkable life filled with achievements in both sports and philanthropy.
Westbrook’s legacy is cemented in various halls of fame, including the U.S. Fencing Hall of Fame, the New York University Athletics Hall of Fame, and the International Sports Hall of Fame. His contributions to fencing and the lives of countless individuals remain influential. Westbrook is survived by his family, including his children, who continue to honor his impact on their lives and the world.