Peter Westbrook, the first Black American fencer to win an Olympic medal, passed away on Friday at the age of 72. His death, attributed to cancer, was confirmed through a post on the Instagram page of the Peter Westbrook Foundation.
Westbrook was not only a groundbreaking athlete but also a dedicated coach who made a lasting impact by mentoring young, underserved athletes in New York. His foundation, which he founded and led as CEO, shared the news of his passing with deep sorrow. The statement, signed by Robert Cottingham, the foundation’s board chair, highlighted Westbrook’s peaceful passing surrounded by family, after bravely battling cancer for a long period.
Corinne Cater, who was named as a family spokesperson in the Instagram post, confirmed Peter Westbrook’s death.
In 1984, Westbrook made history by winning a bronze medal in individual saber at the Los Angeles Olympics. This achievement marked the first time a Black American fencer had won an Olympic medal, as well as the first time in 24 years that an American had earned a medal in fencing at the Games.
Peter Westbrook, a five-time Olympian, was inducted into the United States Fencing Hall of Fame. He made his Olympic debut at the 1976 Montreal Games and continued competing until the 1996 Atlanta Games.
As a coach, Westbrook’s influence was equally significant. In 1991, he founded the Peter Westbrook Foundation, through which he worked with underserved communities and helped develop seven Olympians.
Lauren Scruggs, an American fencer who represented the Peter Westbrook Foundation at the recent Olympics, earned a gold medal in the women’s team foil and a silver medal in the individual women’s foil.
Other Olympic medalists from the foundation include siblings Erinn and Keeth Smart, who won silver medals in the team event at the 2008 Beijing Games, and Ibtihaj Muhammad, who secured a bronze medal in the team sabre event at the 2016 Rio Games.
The Peter Westbrook Foundation (PWF) shared an Instagram post remembering Peter, describing him as not only the leader of the organization but also a true example of dedication to athletic excellence, community involvement, and youth mentorship. His unique spirit will be deeply missed by the athletes, families, and staff of PWF.
Peter’s unwavering commitment to developing scholar-athletes reflected his life’s mission. As a thirteen-time U.S. National Men’s Sabre Champion and five-time Olympian, he set a high standard of excellence for both his students and the foundation’s staff.
Peter Westbrook also contributed to the U.S. Olympic Committee as a member of its Board of Directors. Additionally, he testified before both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, advocating for the importance of sports in fostering personal growth, self-discipline, and achievement, according to the Instagram post.
Born on April 16, 1952, in Kansas City, Westbrook was the son of a Black American father and a Japanese mother. He was raised by his mother, Mariko Wada-Westbrook.
Peter Westbrook, a child of the 1950s, was raised in modest economic circumstances by his mother. As a teenager, he experienced the turbulent civil rights riots of the 1960s in Newark, New Jersey, as noted by the Peter Westbrook Foundation website.
To keep him out of trouble, Westbrook’s mother enrolled him in fencing. His dedication paid off when he earned a full scholarship to New York University and went on to win the NCAA sabre championship in 1973, before launching his international career.
Westbrook is survived by his wife, Susann, stepson Dorian Miles Sr., sister Vivian, grandchildren, and extended family, according to a post from Robert Cottingham, Chair of the Peter Westbrook Foundation Board. Service details have not yet been confirmed, as stated by family spokesperson Corinne Cater.