EVERY man needs a wingman.
For Lewis Hamilton, that guy is fencing star Miles Chamley-Watson.
The 33-year-old was born in London, but competed in the Olympics for the USA, where he has mostly lived.
Recently, the racing driver and his best buddy, a 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, were spotted in the dessert enjoying the festivities of the Coachella music festival.
A trendy pair, they are also regulars at the Met Gala in New York, where they rub shoulders with other celebrities and fashionistas from around the globe.
But while we know so much about Hamilton, Chamley-Watson remains somewhat more of a mystery.
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SunSport looks into the seven-time F1 champion’s friendship with the renowned fencer, as well as tell you a little bit about who he is.
Sporting prowess
Chamley-Watson has scored plenty of success in the world of fencing.
Born in London, he moved to the US when he was eight and took up the sport he would later make his name in at the Knox School just a year later.
It shaped his formative years, earning him a scholarship to Pennsylvania State University.
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By the time of his senior year in 2011, Miles would earn himself top spot on the United States’ Olympic Fencing team as a foil fencer.
He competed in the 2012 Games, but was defeated in the second round by Egyptian Alaaeldin Abouelkassem, who would go on to win a silver medal in the individual event.
A year later, Chamley-Watson won the World Championship – becoming the first American to achieve such a feat.
Four years later in Rio de Janeiro, Chamley-Watson would walk away with a bronze medal in the team event for the USA.
Blessed with good looks, and standing at a mountainous 6ft4in, he has also become the poster boy for his sport – earning sponsorships with Nike, modelling for Coach, Richard Mille watches, and Mumm’s champagne.
His aim was to bring fencing to the mainstream – inspiring kids who were once like him, restless, bullied and misunderstood.
Back in 2021, he told Robb Report: “I want to show kids what they can do.
“I’m even working on new outfits and a scoring system with flashing lights to get fencing on primetime TV.”
Birthday beats
Hamilton and Chamley-Watson’s paths crossed at the Met Gala in 2016 and immediately hit it off.
They have been regulars together ever since, cutting fine figures on the red carpet of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute.
The two have been seen jogging on the beach together at Byron Bay, before last month’s Australian Grand Prix.
They are also happy to share a cryotherapy chamber treatment in unison, where participants can be exposed to temperatures as low as -200°C.
Back in January, Miles spelled out his love for Hamilton in a gushing birthday message.
Sharing a suited and booted picture from their 2021 Met Gala appearance, he wrote: “My brother. Happy Birthday. This is gonna be an incredible year for you I know it. Love man’s to the moon and back. Everyone go wish my bestie the best of birthdays! Man’s is also aging backwards.”
Last week, Justin Bieber was allowed to join in on their bromance in Indio valley, as they partied at Coachella.
He’s a catch
Despite appearing to live the free and single life, the US tabloids have linked Chamley-Watson with American actress Madelaine Petsch in the past.
The beautiful redhead, 28, is best known for starring in teen drama Riverdale as Cheryl Blossom.
They were spotted together in Los Angeles in 2021, but kept their romance private.
They do not share photos on social media together – adding to the mystery of their relationship furthermore – but they still follow one another on Instagram.
It is unknown if they continue to date one another today.
Not giving up on his dream
For now, Chamley-Watson is focused on fencing, appearing at the 2024 Olympics and helping kids from all backgrounds compete in fencing.
He told fashion website Highsnobiety: “I have an Olympic gold to win and 2024 is around the corner.
“For my sport, I think most of my foundation, which is going to promote fencing. We’re gonna take care of four to eight kids a year and pay for their training.
“Also, we’re gonna put on a couple competitions live next, actually, this year as well as next season on Facebook, NBC and Redbull TV.
“So, think big. Fencing is never gonna be the same after I’m done with it. Exposure-wise, my goal is to get a million kids fencing. Also, just like bringing an audience to fencing.
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“I don’t want the same kids fencing, I want to mix where kids come from.
“Rough backgrounds with kids who have privilege. I think that’s the way people grow and connect.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
