Sergey started fencing at the age of 10 in his native Saint Petersburg, Russia. He became 1996 Cadet National Champion and 1999 Junior National Champion as well as 2002 Senior Silver medalist. Between 1996 and 1999, Sergey was National Travel Team member for Team Russia at numerous World Cups.
In 2004, Sergey completed his Master’s degree majoring in “Fencing Coach and PE Education” in the unique top Coaching University of Russia, Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health, followed by studying for his PhD and conducting research working with the top Fencers from Saint Petersburg, representing Team Russia all over the world.
Sergey started his coaching career in 2004 and shortly thereafter, became Head Coach for the Youth Local Club, managing three weapons with over 200 members and coaching the youth program.
In 2007, Sergey migrated to the US and very rapidly started to develop top youth, cadet and junior fencers on the National and International level.
In 2014, Sergey became the Designated USA Team Coach for Cadet and Junior Men’s Epee, as well as Designated National Team Coach for the 2015-2019 World Championships. Coach Danilov led the Team to several medals at the World Cups as well as highest 2nd place at the 2019 World Championships and final #1 rank for Team USA – the first time in history!
In 2021, in addition to his position at NYFA, Sergey was named Epee Coach for St. John’s University, one of the top NCAA fencing programs in the country, where he will be leading epee fencers in preparation for the NCAA events.
In 2024, Sergey became an Olympic Coach, participating in 2024 Paris Olympic Games with USA National Team member Anne Cebula.
Sergey joins New York Fencing Academy as head coach & co-owner of NYFA-Long Island.
NOTABLE STUDENTS
- Anne Cebula – USA National Champion, Bronze medalist (PanAmerican Championship, 24′), 2024 Olympian, Vancouver Senior World Cup – Silver Women’s Epee Team
- Ariel Simmons – 2013 Cadet Individual World Champion, multiple Cadet, Junior and Senior National Champion and medal winner
- Sean Wilson – 2016 Cadet Team World Champion, multiple National Champion and medal winner
- Isaac Herbst – Multiple National and International Champion and medal winner
- Isabella Chin – Junior National Champion, Junior World Cup Champion
