Silicon Valley International School (INTL) alumna Maia Chamberlain recently competed at the Summer Olympics in Paris as part of the United States' Women’s Saber Fencing Team. Competing on the world stage, Maia and her team finished 5th overall, triumphing in both of their matches in the 5-8 bracket. Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Maia shared a vivid picture of the competition’s atmosphere and the emotions that came with it.
“It was exhilarating,” Maia said. “We were in the Grand Palais, which was by far the most beautiful place I ever fenced in with tall ornate ceilings and marble staircases. The space was filled with thousands of screaming fans and large cameras, so all my emotions were amplified while competing.”
Maia’s journey to the Olympics was not just about physical preparation, but also mental endurance. The lead-up to such a prestigious event can be grueling, and Maia was candid about the challenges she faced.
“The months leading up to the competition were very stressful mentally, so I tried my best to counteract this with self-care,” she explained. “To me, that meant prioritizing happiness and spending time with my friends. Physically, I trained six times a day with an emphasis on recovery.”
For Maia, the Olympic Games were filled with unforgettable moments beyond the fencing arena. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies left a lasting impression.
“The Opening and Closing Ceremony were the most memorable because it was the first time I was so close to world-class entertainment and celebrity athletes. It also felt incredibly humbling to look up at the crowd and be celebrated by so many people when all I’ve known was keeping my head down during training and competitions,” she said.
Despite the intense demands of training, Maia finds a way to balance her athletic career and personal life.
“It is hard to balance two major things and do them well. Almost all of my teammates either had to take time out of school or work to qualify for the Olympics,” Maia shared. “I always tell people that I work a 5-to-9 instead of a 9-to-5 because my training schedule is flipped compared to a normal work week. I meal-prep, work out, and do other chores in the beginning of the day then train in the evening.”
Traveling for both domestic and international competitions has been a key part of Maia’s fencing career. She credits her time at INTL for broadening her perspective and preparing her for the global nature of her sport.
“We travel a lot for domestic and international competitions. INTL has been great at opening my worldview, which makes traveling and interacting with international athletes so much more enriching!” she said. “INTL also has high expectations for its students, instilling a strong work ethic that translates well for my training!”
Looking ahead, Maia has ambitious goals both on and off the fencing piste. “I plan on qualifying and medaling in the next Olympics in LA. Outside of fencing, I plan on balancing both a creative and active lifestyle this year. I am excited to start working after spending the last year training!”
Maia Chamberlain’s story is an inspiring example of how dedication, resilience, and a global mindset can lead to success at the highest levels of competition. As she continues to excel in her sport and explore new horizons, INTL is proud to celebrate her accomplishments and cheer her on in her future endeavors.
Read more about Maia, her educational journey at INTL, and her path to becoming a top-ranked fencer.