From Drew School to the Olympic Stage: Alexander Massialas' Inspiring Journey from Student Athlete to U.S. Olympian and Beyond
MarComms Intern, Audrey C. '25, interviews Drew alumni, Alexander Massialas '12, who shares his journey from a young fencing prodigy to a three-time U.S. Olympian and silver medalist. In this interview, Alexander reflects on his Olympic experiences, his time balancing academics and athletics at Drew, and how his dedication to the sport shaped his career. Now the head coach at Stanford, Alexander’s story continues to inspire future generations of fencers.
Drew School Alumni, Alexander Massiales ‘12, has a special place in the history of Drew School.Alexander is a three-time U.S. Olympian Foil Fencer and he was a 2016 individual Olympic silver medalist and a two-time team Olympic bronze medalist. He is a native San Franciscan who started fencing when he was 7 years old. His father, Greg Massialas, a former U.S Olympian as well, not only was his mentor but his long-time coach. While most seniors at Drew School are preparing for college and spending time with their friends, Alexander was busy training for the 2012 London Olympics. When asked “when did you first believe that you could be an Olympian?,” he answered, “So my dream ever since I started fencing was to become an Olympian. But I would say the turning point was the summer between eighth grade and freshman year, right before I went to Drew.”
His senior year at Drew included not only strenuous training for the Olympics, but also juggling schoolwork and participating in other Drew athletic sports like soccer and basketball. Balancing intense training sessions–often twice a day, five to six times a week–with academics and participation in other sports showed his time management and dedication to the sport. “It was challenging, but I knew I had to put in the work if I wanted to achieve my dreams,” Alexander noted.
Throughout Drew, he worked to make that dream come true. Alexander was the youngest male athlete to participate as a US team member in the 2012 London Olympics. Alex recently trained and competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Although he did not medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, his journey is an example of how dedication pays off. In July 2024, he was appointed head coach of the fencing program at his alma mater, Stanford University, where he is now shaping the next generation of fencers. His achievements continue to inspire students at Drew School to work hard and follow your dreams.
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