Courtesy of Columbia Athletics
Spectator and Spectrum are here throughout the next two weeks to bring you updates and interviews from Columbia Olympians in our #LondonLions series. Today, we profile one of our #LondonLions, Jeff Spear. Follow @CU_Spectator and @CUSpecSports to make sure you’re up to date.
Jeff Spear, CC ’10, made his mark on the Columbia with both his brain and his sabre. Now, the alternate athlete for the United States Olympic sabre team hopes to make his mark on an international stage.
The Columbia College salutatorian in 2010, Spear finished his Columbia career with an NCAA individual title and 4.07 GPA, with his only A-minuses coming in Contemporary Civilization.
Now, this part-fencer, part-genius, is enjoying his time in London.
He has also been spending time with fellow Columbia grad James Williams, CC ’07, who won the silver medal in the sabre at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Spear took time out of his busy schedule to answer five questions from Spectrum. See his answers after the jump.
Everyone is still preparing for their events. After events start ending, maybe. But when that happens don’t ask me – what happens in the village stays in the village!
2) Who is one Olympian you admire and why?
I admire every single Olympian here. The village sometimes feels like an embodiment of inspiration. If I could meet one person, though, I think I would choose [tennis star Novak] Djokovic. He has recently found that holy grail of sports – making the transition from top player to arguably best in the world. He plays fairly and with guts.
And he’s gluten free!
3) How does your brother (Will Spear, CC’15) feel about you being in the Olympics?
My brother has been one of the most supportive people I have had to help me along this journey. I don’t think I can even begin to describe what he has done for me in a way that makes sense, but he is proud of me, yes.
4) Which country will win the most fencing medals?
Russia and Italy are traditionally countries to watch. USA might have something to say about that, though!
5) Given the number of Columbia fencers headed to London, have you guys all been spending time together?
We do – James and I have our ‘CU’ pose for pictures, where we make a C and a U with our hands in front of monuments and such, and we are all aware of our ‘team Columbia’ presence here. But we are also part of team USA and that definitely takes precedence, even socially.
Below are some pictures James and Jeff have taken in the past. All photos courtesy of Jeff Spear.
Spear and Williams after the medal ceremony at the Moscow World Cup 2012.
Spear and Williams at the announcement of the U.S. Olympic team
aaahhhh this is so cool
I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I thought this put up was once great. I don’t understand who you’re but definitely you’re going to a well-known blogger for those who are not already. Cheers!
Best example for both “jocks” and “geeks”. Mens sana in corpore sano.