MacLeod’s Remarkable Achievement
Will MacLeod ’26, a mathematics major in the College of Arts and Sciences, recently secured a silver medal for Team USA at the Chessboxing World Championships held in September, just three months after he began training in the sport.
Early Days at Cornell
His journey began at Cornell, where MacLeod took up boxing through a physical education class and subsequently joined a local boxing gym in Ithaca. He has been passionate about chess since the age of four, having learned the game from his father. Throughout high school, he sharpened his chess abilities by playing against friends and participating in various tournaments.
A Unique Sport’s History
Chessboxing emerged from a French graphic novel and debuted in Berlin in 2003. A typical chessboxing match features alternating three-minute rounds of chess and boxing, with one-minute breaks in between. Athletes can claim victory either through checkmate or by winning in the boxing ring, with matches continuing until a round is decisively won. Competitors may engage in up to eleven rounds.
Starting His Journey
After his amateur boxing debut in May, MacLeod was inspired by a chessboxing video he had watched online, realizing, “Many people excel in chess and boxing, but few engage in both.” Confident in his potential for the sport, he reached out to Team USA and participated in a sparring showcase in Atlanta in June, which served as a selection tryout. Team USA coordinators chose him based on his performance and chess skills amidst a pool of aspiring chessboxers.
Balancing Commitments
Team USA members were spread across the nation, with MacLeod noting teammates from various states including New York, Louisiana, Chicago, and New Jersey. Despite the challenges posed by distance and limited group training opportunities, they connected weekly over calls. Spending his summer in New York, MacLeod attended a chessboxing club but primarily maintained an individual training schedule. He dedicated each morning to calisthenics and running, followed by his work and boxing training, a demanding routine he managed alongside a finance internship.
Mindset and Philosophy
MacLeod’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of perseverance. He has never contemplated dropping out of chessboxing, asserting, “Once you commit to something, you must see it through.” He finds that boxing fosters a calm and composed mindset, enabling him to put life’s challenges into perspective. The unique transition between the different phases of chessboxing requires distinct skill sets, which MacLeod practices with strategies taught by Team USA coach Matt Thomas, who incorporates techniques like breathwork in his training methods.
Encouragement to Explore
MacLeod advocates for pursuing diverse interests, coining the phrase “own the overlap.” He encourages individuals to explore their passions instead of conforming to societal expectations. Beyond chessboxing, he has ventured into activities like taking a ballet class and collaborating on a short film. Although concerns about judgment and potential failure are common, MacLeod believes in the necessity of different mental frameworks to motivate oneself. As he continues to focus on his upcoming career goals, including competing in next year’s World Chessboxing Championships, he remains committed to sharing his unique experiences and helping others discover their own paths.
