Dmitri Lapkes

Dmitri Lapkes, of Belarus, coaches the Buckeye sabre squad, joining the staff during the 2018-19 campaign. He served as the head coach of the national sabre team from 2015-18.

During his first two seasons, the Buckeyes claimed the Midwest Fencing Conference Championships overall title in 2019 and the men’s and women’s titles in 2020, sweeping the men’s sabre crowns both years and winning the women’s in 2020. The men had four NCAA qualifiers during his first two seasons, with three women earning spots at the national championships. Over the last two years, Buckeyes combined for seven Top 3 NCAA Regionals finishes.

A six-time Belarusian national champion, Lapkes competed at four Olympic Games (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012), including a fourth-place finish in Athens in 2004.

In World Cup competition, Lapkes claimed seven medals, including three gold. He also earned nine medals in Grand Prix events, including a gold in 2006. He earned silver in the team sabre event at the 2011 World Fencing Championships. He was part of three team World Cup Championships (2006, 2009, 2010).

Lapkes earned his master’s degree from the Belarussian State University of Physical Culture in Minsk, Belarus.