A Duke Workday: 'I Am Zorro' Omar Elgeziry on Coaching and Fencing
Meet Omar Elgeziry, Head Coach of Duke Fencing
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From his earliest introduction to the sport, Omar Elgeziry, Head Coach of Duke Fencing, knew he was hooked.
"Immediately I picked up the blade, and I felt that 'I am Zorro,'" Elgeziry said.
A world-class athlete, Elgeziry has competed in and medaled at more than 50 modern pentathlon and fencing events. His accomplishments include a silver medal at the 2016 Pentathlon World Cup No. 2 in Rio de Janeiro and a fourth-place finish at the 2016 Pentathlon World Championships in Moscow.
After his competition days were over, Elgeziry moved to the United States in search of coaching opportunities. While he has made several stops on his coaching journey, Elgeziry said that the most enjoyable parts of the job continue to be building relationships with student-athletes.
"I enjoy interacting every day with all the students, asking about their day, asking how they are doing. And obviously enjoying seeing them going through the process and improving," he said.
Don't miss your chance to watch Coach Elgeziry and the team in action during the 2026 ACC Fencing Championships Feb. 21-22 in Cameron Indoor Stadium on Duke's campus.
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