In celebration of Black History Month, BF looks back at the late James Williams’ career and legacy.
October is Black History Month in the UK, an annual month that celebrates and reflects on Black history, arts and culture, as well as recognising the achievements and roles of Black people in shaping history.
To celebrate Black History Month, we look at James Williams’ incredible legacy by showcasing some of the memories our community members have of him.
James Williams was one of Great Britain’s most talented sabre fencers, winning gold at the British Sabre Championships twice, silver three times and bronze three times. James also fenced in the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, as well as nine World Championships from 1993 to 2003.
Ben Hanley, one of James’ teammates, said:
“What an amazing inspiration. What a warm, funny, intelligent, engaging teammate and friend you were. I loved how you created me as your ‘Scottish Brother’. So many fun moments together. Thank you for all the support you gave me. You lit up life for so many of us. All my sadness and heartfelt wishes to your wife and daughters.”
Jessica Lacheta Simpson added:
“I enjoyed being in the national team with you. Watching you fence was a highlight for me in Cuba at my first Senior World Championships. Your passion and love of the sport always shined through. I will always remember these wise words you told me I still use them today. You said ‘Jess, you are a warrior’. No matter what I do, I remember these words. Especially days I find tough.”
As well as his competitive career, James is remembered for the various roles he played as coach, team manager and Board member. He supported GBR sabre fencers abroad at European and World Championships, and was highly-regarded amongst the fencing community. He joined the BF Board in 2020 in order to support the fencing community, and in 2023, he became Olympic Team Manager.
Bryan Lister said:
“James was a truly ‘Great’ person. He had the rare qualities that sets one person apart from another. Always positive to the extent that everything he said and did reflected that positive mental attitude that instilled strength and confidence into others. An exceptional high achiever, a genuine Superman. James was with us at several international competitions in early 2024 supporting the GB Juniors. His support of the athletes was exceptional and highly valued. A truly inspirational person. We are Halifax and James was from Huddersfield. We often discussed Yorkshire and what we had in common. He was a true gentleman. It is hard to express how highly we regarded James and what his loss means. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and hope that something can be started to keep his memory and values alive.”
Patrick Jennings commented:
“James was the first true legend of the fencing world that I had the pleasure to call coach. Not only a wonderful coach but a wonderful man. His passion, love and kindness was infectious. Words will not do justice to the profound impact he had on myself and others. To this day, I share stories of the great James Williams to my fencers and if I could just emulate only a small proportion of James’ impact, I would be extremely proud and extremely grateful. Thank you for all that you have done.”
Bethany Brierley, who was supported by James at major competitions, said:
“James was an amazing person who was always comedic and always knew when he needed to be professional. I have been lucky enough to have had James in my box throughout the years and he has always known what to say and knew what I needed from him. His amazing work will never be forgotten and I will continue to remember him as his wise words will always be long lasting.”
Sabre fencer Folayemi Akinyosoye added:
“James Williams was a hero, a man whose exuberant energy infected everyone around him. Even though he never expected perfection, he demanded I gave 100% to whatever I do, whether it was fencing or school, and he always gave me support. His strong Huddersfield accent mixed with obscure phrases would always leave me either confused or in laughter. The joy, the wisdom and the guidance James brought to my life, and many others, will not be forgotten.”
James also played an important role in founding the British Elite Athletes Association. CEO Anna Watkins said:
“James was one of the athletes who helped to establish the British Elite Athletes Association (or British Athletes Commission, as it was then known) in 2004, attending the inaugural meeting and becoming one of our first athlete directors. On behalf of the BEAA, its Board and staff, I would like to pay tribute to James’ career both as a competitive fencer and beyond, and especially to honour his role in founding our athlete representative body. His loss will be felt across sport, and our thoughts are with those who knew him most closely.”
Outside of sport, James was the Director of Public Health for Medway Council in Kent, and played an important part in tacking the Covid pandemic. Vince Maple, the council leader, described him as “an inspirational leader” who had left “an impressive legacy”.
James Williams’ full obituary can be read here.
The BF Charity is raising money in memory of James to support fencers from disadvantaged backgrounds – you can contribute here.
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