Credit: Augusto Bizz
New York, NY (June 29, 2021) — Jonah Shainberg knows that everything has its time.
In his quest to make the Olympic Saber Team representing the United States, there were many setbacks. The usual ones — training challenges, losses, and the like — were offset by the unexpected one — the Covid pandemic and the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to 2021. Throughout it all, Shainberg maintained his composure and continued on his quest.
"It was not the smoothest process," Shainberg, age 25, said, "given everything that happened in the last year putting everything on hold. When you go out for the Olympics, there are going to be ups and downs."
After winning bronze at the April NAC, Shainberg was in position to reach the rings at the NAC in May, the final deciding tournament on the road to Tokyo. However, Khalil Thompson medaled higher than Shainberg, coming in first, and making the Olympic squad. Grant Williams earned bronze to Shainberg's fifth-place finish and his Olympic quest ended in Richmond.
Shainberg's perspective, however, remained upbeat. "Before and during that tournament, I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude," he shared. "I told myself that no matter what happens, I'm grateful for the journey. And that's held true," he said.
"Going into that tournament, I felt like an Olympian," he added. "I fell short, and it's tough to swallow, but at the same time, it was an unbelievable journey. I'm so proud of Khalil and the rest of my teammates. I know they're going to do great."
Being an Olympic cycle like no other, Shainberg and Williams have been asked to train and travel with the Olympic squad to Tokyo.
"These guys are my brothers and we've been together for a very long time. Any opportunity I have to help them bring home a medal, I'd be foolish to turn that down." He added, "We're all so close; it's good for team camaraderie to keep us together."
This road to the Olympics started when Shainberg was just eight and took his first fencing lessons with his longtime coach Achiko Lortkipanidze, another exercise in timing.
"He came for one or two lessons. He was too young and stopped," Lortkipanidze said. "His mother said he would be back. I did not believe it, but he came back and was serious."
"I was the kind of kid who did something for two years and quit," Shainberg admitted. Tennis, soccer, and Tai Kwon Do all had their moments, and then, "my parents reached a place where they wouldn't let me quit," and he returned to fencing.
"I started doing better and traveling to NACs. Achiko has been instrumental in helping me develop a love for the sport," Shainberg said.
Even better, Shainberg started winning. "I remember his first medal in Y-10 at the NAC in Tucson, AZ," Lortkipanidze said. "Since then, he has not missed winning any medals — Y-10, Y-12, Y-14, Cadet, Junior, Senior. He was a national champion and two-time junior champion."
A graduate of Rye High School in Rye, NY, Shainberg attended Notre Dame. "Achiko was one of the main reasons I went there," he admitted. "I'm super lucky to call myself an alumnus. I still feel like I'm part of the team."
As for Shainberg joining future Olympic teams, it’s too early to decide about making another attempt.
"He's saying that he's done, but I hope he's going to change his mind," said Lortkipanidze, adding, "In Europe, people start fencing for the Olympics when they're 23 and older. The next Olympics is only three years away. We'll see."
"Nothing is set in stone," Shainberg admitted. "Fencing has been an unbelievable part of my life, but I am looking forward to that next chapter," working as a management consultant. "I'm not going to close the door on fencing. We'll see if it's still there for me."
"In the past year and a half, I feel like I've only gotten better. I am still young. The coaching and the training that I have at my disposal is incredible," he said, sounding like he was convincing himself. "Whatever I do, it will be a tough decision."
"Right now, it's fun to practice with no pressure," he added. "I'm a lot looser. There's a lesson in there for people still competing. Try to have more fun with it. Stay disciplined but have fun."
Congratulations Jonah.