Herbert Cohen (fencer)

Herbert (Herb) Morris Cohen, born on June 7, 1940, was an American Olympic foil fencer. He competed in the Olympic Games twice and was known for fencing with his left hand, which made him unique. Cohen was very skilled and won many championships. He was a two-time NCAA foil champion and also became a U.S. national champion.

In addition to his individual success, Cohen was part of a team that won the Pan American Games, showing his strong teamwork. After his competitive career, he became a coach and helped guide New York University to an NCAA national championship, inspiring many young fencers. His achievements have made him a respected figure in the sport of fencing.

Early and personal life

Herbert Cohen was Jewish and was born in Manhattan, New York City. He grew up in Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, where he went to public school. He also lived in Holmdel Township, New Jersey. His older brother, Abe Cohen, was also an Olympic fencer who competed for the United States in the 1956 Summer Olympics.

Cohen got married in 1961 and adopted a child five years later. After finishing college in 1962, he became an elementary school teacher.

Fencing career

Herbert Cohen began fencing when he was 15 years old at Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, New York. He was the captain of his school’s fencing team and fenced alongside his friend, future singer Neil Diamond.

He later went to New York University, where he fenced for the NYU Violets. In 1961, he won the NCAA foil championship without losing a match. The next year, in 1962, he won again and was named the national college Fencer of the Year for his sportsmanship and skill.

Cohen also won a gold medal in team foil and a bronze medal in individual foil at the 1963 Pan American Games in São Paulo, Brazil. In 1964, he won the Amateur Fencers League of America national championship in foil.

He competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, taking part in both individual and team foil events.

Coaching career

In the early 1970s, he coached at the Fencers Club. From 1975 to 1977, he was the head fencing coach at New York University and helped the team win the 1976 NCAA Championship. In 1977, he coached the fencing team at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan, New York City. Later, from 2011 through at least 2016, he coached at Teaneck High School. He also coached at Manhattan College.

Hall of Fame and honors

In 1995, Herbert Cohen was honored by being added to the NYU Hall of Fame. Later, in 2003, he received a special award from the YMCA for his achievements.