Kamali Thompson

Thompson was born on December 11, 1991, in Los Angeles, California but was raised in Teaneck, New Jersey.^[1] Growing up in New Jersey, Thompson originally was a dancer and began Teaneck High School at the age of 12.^[2][3] While watching a fencing demonstration at the school, she was encouraged to learn the sport to gain a greater chance at a college scholarship.^[3] She subsequently began fencing during her freshman year and eventually joined the schools team as a junior.^[4] Prior to her junior year, Thompson entered a statewide fencing competition where she finished ninth. Following this, she was encouraged to join a fencing club in New York called the Peter Westbrook Foundation.^[5] Throughout her high school career, Thompson helped the fencing team finish second in districts, second in the state, and win the Passaic League Championship. She also earned first-team all-county and third-team all-state honors.^[6] As she continued to fence, her younger brother Khalil also took up the sport so he would not have to sit on the sidelines during her practices.^[7]

Following high school, Thompson enrolled in the Pre-medical degree as part of her biology program at Temple University. She continued to compete in fencing under head coach Nikki Franke and was a two-time winner of Temple's PNC Female Student-Athlete of the Year. She also earned All-American Honors and was a four-time NCAA Qualifier.^[8] During her senior year, Thompson was named Philadelphia Inquirer Performer of the Year and nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year.^[9]

Upon graduating from Temple University, Thompson enrolled at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School for the 2013 academic year.^[9] During her first year in medical school, she helped lead Team USA to a fourth-place finish in Women's Sabre at the 2013 World University Games.^[10] Throughout her medical school career, she also established a blog, Saber & A Stethoscope, to document her educational endeavors, travel, and fitness.^[4] In 2016, Thompson narrowly missed qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympics by placing sixth overall. Following this, she won the Division 1 Women's Sabre National Championship title.^[11]

In 2019, Thompson was ranked third overall as she helped Team USA win a bronze medal at the Salt Lake City North American Cup.^{[citation needed]} As such, she was named an alternate for the national team. Thompson trained at the Peter Westbrook Foundation.^[12]