The Story Of This Black Olympic Fencer Is A Acquainted One

“Keep Shut,” the story of Olympic fencer Keeth Good, debuted Monday night time (January 6) on the PBS collection POV Shorts. 

The documentary brief highlights Good’s exceptional story of feat within the face of adversity and private tragedy. 

“This movie is actually remedy for me,” Good mentioned in an interview with NBC Information. “It’s actually a household movie. It’s been a enjoyable solution to recall my dad and mom and what they imply to us and what they did for us.”

Good and his sister Errin earned scholarships from the Peter Westbrook Basis, based mostly in New York Metropolis, and teaches inner-city children fencing.

Keeth and Errin earned fencing scholarships to Columbia College. Keeth rose to No. 1 on the planet and was the nationwide champion in 2004. His sister turned a four-time nationwide champion and a silver medalist within the 2008 Olympics. 

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However a number of tragedy occurred, together with the demise of their father. Their mom was identified with most cancers and subsequently died, and Keeth battled leukemia.

All that and the problems of race that include making an attempt to ascend in a sport that isn’t historically Black. 

“It was actually onerous. Once we had been 12 and 13, my sister and I spent two weeks at a (fencing) camp in Hungary. We had been by ourselves. Our dad and mom couldn’t afford to return. We noticed every little thing underneath the solar because it pertains to racism. They referred to as us each title . . . of their native tongue,” mentioned Good. “And other people translated for us. However it taught us to remain collectively. And ultimately, we did what we needed to do and confirmed them what they considered black folks was not what their perceptions advised them.”

“Keep Shut” has been short-listed for Oscar consideration in the most effective documentary brief topic class. The nominees can be introduced on January 13.

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