Did you know Neil Diamond was a star athlete on the NYU National Championship fencing team? He was so good that he went to college on a full scholarship for his skills with a sabre. You need to watch this 1967 footage to see a music legend move with the speed of a professional fighter. It is a side of him that stays hidden from most fans.
This performance shows Neil right at the start of his fame. He wears the white fencing gear and demonstrates his footwork for a live TV audience. The contrast is amazing because he looks just as confident with a sword as he does with a microphone. It is a rare look at the physical discipline that built a superstar.
Watch the lightning fast movements in the video link below:
Neil Diamond Fencing on The Mike Douglas Show
Fans are completely shocked by his athletic past. One viewer said they never knew he was such a tough competitor in college. Another person pointed out that his fencing stance is exactly how he stands on stage decades later. It is a favorite clip for anyone who loves seeing the real person behind the famous hits.
That same competitive fire helped him transition from the fencing mat to the biggest stages in the world. He spent years proving that a kid from Brooklyn could conquer any field he chose. Even when life got harder, he found a way to keep his connection with the people who loved him.
Neil Diamond Sings Sweet Caroline on Broadway
By 2022, he was facing health challenges that kept him off the road. But he surprised a huge Broadway crowd by standing up and leading a massive sing along from his seat.
Neil Diamond is a true American treasure who always stayed grounded in his roots. His journey from a scholarship athlete to a global icon is a story of pure grit. Follow Neil Diamond on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to stay connected to his legendary life.