Olympic silver medalist Tim Morehouse '00 jousts with President Obama

Sep. 16, 2009

Former Brandeis fencer travels to the White House in support of Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics

Brandeis champion fencer Tim Morehouse ’00 visited the White House and had the chance to joust with President Obama.

Morehouse, who won a silver medal for the United States in the team saber competition in Beijing, traveled to Washington for an event with the president and First Lady Michelle Obama in support of Chicago’s bid to host the Summer Olympics in 2016.

“You never really know how much time you’re going to get to spend with the president when you visit, but today was really above and beyond my wildest dreams and truly a great day for fencing!” Morehouse reported about the September 16 event.

During his speech during the event, Obama pointed to Morehouse and fellow fencer Daria Schneider and said, “I always wanted to try fencing, and maybe you guys can give me a few pointers.”

After the speeches, the Obamas walked over to watch while the fencers gave some tips to a group of children.

“We showed President Obama a few moves, he played with the light saber and foam sabers, asked us questions about the sport, checked out my Olympic medal from Beijing (he said he’d never seen one before!) and then even refereed the demonstration between Daria and myself!” Morehouse said. “At one point, he fist pumped Daria during the match when she scored on me!

“This was really one of the most amazing experiences of my life!”