American Lee Kiefer Wins 2nd Olympic Gold in Women’s Foil Fencing

Lee Kiefer has made history by winning her second consecutive gold medal in foil fencing at the Olympics.

On Sunday, July 28 2024, Kiefer defeated her teammate Lauren Scruggs 15-6 in the final, making her the first Black fencer from the U.S. to win an individual Olympic medal.

Celebrating with a joyful pirouette down the piste, Kiefer expressed relief knowing that the U.S. national anthem would play regardless of the outcome.

This event marked a significant contrast to her first gold medal win in Tokyo, which was held under strict pandemic restrictions with no spectators.

Kiefer dedicated her victory to her late coach, Buckie Leach, who passed away in a motorcycle accident shortly after coaching her to gold in Tokyo. “He would be so happy for me,” Kiefer said, highlighting a photo of Leach she keeps on her wall.

With this win, Kiefer joins Mariel Zagunis as the only American fencers to secure gold in the same event twice. The last all-U.S. final in Olympic fencing occurred in 2008 when Zagunis defeated Sada Jacobson.

Lauren Scruggs, who took silver, expressed surprise and gratitude for her achievement. The 21-year-old Harvard student from Queens, New York, has seen a rapid rise in her fencing career. Scruggs hopes her success will inspire young Black fencers to pursue the sport.

Kiefer’s husband, Gerek Meinhardt, is also a decorated fencer, holding two Olympic bronze medals in men’s foil.