Miles Chamley-Watson recalls the surreal experience of sitting at the Met Gala nine years ago, flanked by icons like Madonna and Rihanna, alongside Lewis Hamilton, who has become his closest friend. This unexpected exposure to celebrity culture marked a significant turning point in his life as a fencer.

At 36, Chamley-Watson has established himself as a leading figure in fencing, competing at three Olympics and winning a team bronze in 2016. His latest ambition involves launching the World Fencing League to elevate the sport's profile. After his Olympic debut at London 2012, he transitioned into fashion modeling, collaborating with luxury brands and even launching his own Nike trainer.

Chamley-Watson describes Hamilton as a "brother," sharing moments with him on social media to his 450,000 followers. His rise to fame contrasts sharply with his challenging upbringing in London and New York, where he struggled with ADHD and faced racism in a predominantly white sport. His journey into fencing began as a means to channel his focus, and he quickly found success.

The World Fencing League is set to launch on Saturday in Los Angeles, featuring 12 top fencers competing for a $100,000 prize pot. The league aims to make fencing more accessible and appealing to diverse audiences through innovative scoring and AI technology. Despite facing skepticism from traditionalists, Chamley-Watson believes that change is necessary for the sport's future.

High-profile figures, including Simone Biles, are expected to support the event, and Chamley-Watson is confident that Hamilton will attend. As he puts it, "When you have someone like that, any time you're not working you'll support each other." Fencing is poised to gain a glamorous new image.