David Micahnik fenced épée for the United States at the 1960, 1964, and 1968 Olympics. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and fenced for Salle Cziszar in Philadelphia, and continued to fence competitively in veterans events into his 60s. Michanik became the coach at his alma mater, coaching both the men and women’s fencers there for over 35 years. He led the Penn men to an NCAA title in 1981 and the women to the 1986 national championship. He also coached extensively at the national level, coaching US teams in four Under-20 World Championships, five Universiades, two World Championships, the 1985 and 1993 World Maccabiah Games, and the 1986 and 1988 Junior Pan-American Games. Micahnik currently serves on the Board of Directors for US Fencing and in the Congress of US Fencing. He has also been a vice-president of the US Fencing Coaches Association.