The Swordsport Podcast

Albert Bagdány S4 Ep. 9

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, Don Anthony sits down with Albert Bagdány, a member of the Ohio State fencing team, to talk about his path into the sport and what it’s been like competing at the collegiate level. Albert shares his background, how he got started in fencing, and the transition into a program like Ohio State. They talk through the day-to-day reality of being a student-athlete, the challenges of training and competing at a high level, and what he’s learned along the way. The conversation also touches on team culture, how he fits into the group, and what he’s focused on as the season moves forward. It’s a straightforward, honest look at the experience of a Buckeye fencer working to grow and compete in one of the top programs in the country.

Natalia Botello Julieta Toledo S.4 Ep

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, Don Anthony sits down with Natalia Botello, who’s back on the show, this time joined by Ohio State assistant coach and former Buckeye fencer Julieta Toledo. The conversation is part reflection, part celebration, and part real talk about what it takes to get to the top of the sport. Natalia talks about her recent NCAA National Championship in women’s sabre—what that moment was actually like, what led up to it, and what it means to be part of a small group of Buckeyes to win an individual title. She also shares how competing for Mexico has shaped her approach to fencing and competition. Julieta adds her perspective as someone who’s been there before. As an Olympian for Mexico and now a coach, she talks about what it’s like to support athletes like Natalia, and how her own experience influences the way she connects with the team. It’s a really grounded conversation about fencing, growth, and the relationship between athlete and coach—especially when they’ve walked a similar path.

S.4 Ep.7 Solin Li

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony sits down with Solin Li, a senior foil fencer for the Ohio State Buckeyes from Beijing, China. One of the most accomplished members of the Buckeye foil squad, Solin reflects on a collegiate career filled with championship performances, academic excellence, and steady growth on the international stage of NCAA fencing. Don and Solin discuss his path from Beijing to Columbus and how he adapted to the demands of fencing in one of the nation’s top collegiate programs. They also revisit key highlights of his Ohio State career, including becoming the 2023 CCFC individual champion, earning First Team All-CCFC honors twice, and achieving Honorable Mention All-American status after finishing 11th at the NCAA Championships in his first appearance at the national tournament

S.4 Ep.6 Carter Berrio

In this episode of the Swordsport Podcast, host Don Anthony sits down with Carter Berrio, a freshman sabre fencer for the Ohio State Buckeyes from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Carter has quickly made an impact in his first collegiate season, emerging as one of the rising talents on the Buckeye sabre squad. Don and Carter talk about his journey to Ohio State, the transition from junior and international fencing to the NCAA level, and what it takes to compete in one of the most demanding collegiate fencing programs in the country. The conversation also highlights Carter’s impressive early success, including capturing the 2026 Central Collegiate Fencing Conference (CCFC) individual championship in men’s sabre, a major milestone in his freshman campaign

Bülau and Rai Swordsport S4 Ep

In this special joint episode of the Swordsport Podcast, Don Anthony sits down with Matthew Bülau and Avin Rai, two veteran Buckeyes whose fencing journeys began on opposite sides of the world and came together at Ohio State. Matthew Bülau, an international standout from Germany, reflects on his path from being ranked No. 1 in his age group for a decade to earning a U20 European Championships bronze medal, winning the OSU Open, and becoming a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and Ohio State Scholar-Athlete. Avin Rai, a senior sabre fencer from Massachusetts, shares his rise from an after-school fencing program to becoming a 2025 NCAA qualifier, First Team All-CCFC selection, and a key contributor to multiple Buckeye team and sabre squad championships.