Byron Branch – Parafencer
Byron Branch first began fencing in high school. As an indoor sport, fencing worked well for the frigid winters in Ohio where Byron grew up. As an extra bonus, Byron could still play baseball in the spring after the fencing season ended.
Byron excelled at fencing. Prior to becoming a Parafencer, he competed in the able-bodied divisions of the sport. In 2011 he was top in the sport for able-bodied fencing in the Great Lakes Region, and in 2014 he was 17th in the USA for DIV1A Men’s Foil. He also volunteer coached at the local fencing club, helping numerous fencers gain scholarships and earn titles in the sport.
Outside of fencing, Byron dedicates himself to his family and his community. As a police officer, Byron is committed to strengthening his community. In addition to serving on a panel to improve community and police relations, Byron has visited local schools to engage students and help build a better understanding between police and the citizenry.
In 2016, Byron was injured during a traffic accident while on duty. After his injury, he continued training students at the local fencing academy, and in 2018 Byron decided to try wheelchair fencing. Shortly thereafter, he won Gold at the 2018 PanAm Games in Saskatoon, Canada. Within one year Byron quickly moved up to ranking 17th in the world.
Now, having medaled in every U.S.-based para-fencing competition, Byron Branch is well poised to succeed at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Like with many sports, all training and competing prospects were halted with the arrival of COVID-19. Byron had been prepared to train on campus at a local university with some of the top fencers in the country, but COVID-related closures impacted that as well. Steadfast in his goal, Byron continued to train in his garage with an old tire on a shelf.
With the BOOST2020 athlete grant from The Foundation for Global Sports Development, Byron Branch will be able to purchase new equipment and pursue additional training opportunities. We wish Byron and his family the very best as he continues his journey to the Paralympics!
