Oh, take a break
A U.S. fencer’s outrageous rant may have ended the U.S. fencing team’s chances of competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics — and it was all on video, so it’s ridiculous you’ll know
After losing in the Pan American Games semi-finals in Peru, Curtis Mcdowald It ended up exploding and disqualifying the entire US Men’s Epee Team.
McDowald was given a red-card penalty in a decisive moment, ending the match. After the loss, McDowald’s opponent tried to shake McDowald’s hand, but he was so competitive that he slapped his hand. And it’s not surprising that foreign opponents mocked McDowald, the same man who was supposed to represent our country.
It’s just embarrassing, but unfortunately it didn’t end there.
As the rest of the U.S. team shook hands with their opponents, 2020 Olympic qualifier McDowald kicked a free-standing banner at the venue and stepped into it.
His temper tantrum disqualified him from US fencing from the Pan American Games and, more infuriatingly, forced him to withdraw from the bronze bout, forcing him to give up his medal opportunity. Moreover, as a result of the DQ, his Olympic qualification points were also zero.
USA Fencing has issued this statement in response to the situation. USA Today:
“We are disappointed with Curtis’ actions and regret that they hurt Team USA’s chances of fielding a men’s Epee team in the 2024 Olympics. The men’s Epee team must climb to qualify for Paris.” The hill has gotten steeper, and we are determined to focus on supporting athletes and their coaches as they pursue their Olympic dreams.”
McDowald has also been disqualified from the 2023 Fencing World Championships for his actions.
clock:
Well, this makes me angry as an American and as a supporter of USA Athletics.
What a terrible way to represent the United States. See, I get it. As Americans, we are used to dominating everything and winning all the time, and as a nation we are very competitive, but sometimes we lose. Blatant ranting and crying like a baby won’t solve anything. As a matter of fact, that may have killed my chances of qualifying for the Olympics (at the expense of my chances of a Pan Am bronze medal).
It could be one less gold medal for us…and holy cow, it’s infuriating (and it’s embarrassing). (Related: USMNT beats Canada 2-0 in final to clinch CONCACAF Nations League Championship)
100% nonsense by Curtis McDowald.
I hope US fencing is reconsidered here, but it’s not a good situation at the moment. shame.
