Lee Kiefer, born on June 15, 1994, is a right-handed American foil fencer who has won the women’s individual foil event at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics, making her a two-time Olympic champion. She holds the record as the most decorated women’s foil fencer in American history. Kiefer is a four-time NCAA champion, 12-time team Pan American champion, thirteen-time individual Pan American champion, and 2018 team world champion. A four-time Olympian, Kiefer is a 2020 and 2024 individual Olympic champion. She is the first American foil fencer in history to win an individual Olympic gold medal. Kiefer participated in the 2012 Olympics in London, the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. She will represent the United States in the women’s foil and women’s team foil at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, on July 28 and August 1, 2024.
Lee Kiefer Biography
Lee has about $400,000. She got two gold medals in fencing. Her friend got silver. This was historic as the first Black fencer to win an Olympic medal for the U.S. Kiefer won 15-6 in the final. She spun with joy on the field. She was relieved knowing the U.S. anthem would play after the game. The crowd at Grand Palais differed from Chiba, Japan, where she won her first gold under strict rules due to a pandemic three years ago. Kiefer dedicated her win to Buckie Leach, who sadly died in a motorcycle accident days after her Tokyo victory. She said he would’ve been very happy and this win was for him, with his photo proudly displayed in her room at the village.
Kiefer’s gold is the fifth time a U.S. fencer has won an individual event gold medal and joins Mariel Zagunis as the only American fencer to win twice following her wins in 2004 and 2008. She values Mariel’s help for her confidence and strength. The last all-American final was in 2008 when Zagunis beat Jacobson, repeating what last happened in 1904. Scruggs felt happy despite losing, shocked and grateful for the opportunity. Scruggs, a Harvard student from New York, is quickly rising in world fencing and aims to inspire young Black fencers to pursue their passion in fencing like she did herself. Kiefer and Meinhardt are both medical students at the University of Kentucky on leave for the Olympics but recently taught Nate Burleson and Tony Dukoupil how to fence confidently and determinedly as they focus on Paris events for their Olympic dreams ahead.
Eleanor Harvey won Canada’s first Olympic fencing medal by beating Alice Volpi from Italy, winning the bronze. On the same day, Koki Kano of Japan won the men’s epee gold medal by defeating Yannick Borel from France. This victory marked Japan’s first gold in an individual Olympic fencing competition. The enthusiastic home crowd saw Auriane Mallo-Breton secure silver in the women’s epee event for the second consecutive day. Mohamed Elsayed earned Egypt a bronze in overtime by defeating Tibor Andrasfi from Hungary with a score of 8-7.
Lee Kiefer Biography Info
Born | June 15, 1994 (age 30) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
Height | 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in) |
Weight | 49 kg (108 lb) |
Net Worth | $400,000. |
Category | Olympics |
Sport |
Country | United States |
Sport | Fencing |
Weapon | Foil |
Hand | Right-handed |
Club | Bluegrass Fencers Club |
Head coach | Amgad Khazbak |
FIE ranking | Current ranking |
About Lee Kiefer Biography
Lee Kiefer is an American right-handed foil fencer and two-time Olympic champion in women’s individual foil, having won the event at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics. She is the most decorated women’s foil fencer in American history.
Born: 15 June 1994 (age 30 years), Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Parents: Teresa Kiefer, Steven Kiefer
Height: 1.63 m
Partner: Gerek Meinhardt (2019–)
Siblings: Alexandra Kiefer, Axel Kiefer
Club: Bluegrass Fencers Club
FIE ranking: Current ranking
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Fencing career
Team USA members include Nzingha, Sabrina, Nicole, and Lee. Lee Kiefer is from Ohio and Kentucky. Her mom is from the Philippines. Her dad played fencing at Duke University. She finished high school in 2012. Lee went to the University of Notre Dame and graduated in 2017. Now she’s studying at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Her sister Alex was a champion fencer, now a doctor. Her brother Axel also fenced and won awards.
Kiefer won a bronze medal in women’s fencing in 2011. In 2012, she placed 5th at the London Olympics. During the 2014–15 season, she got a silver medal in Saint-Maur. Later in 2015, she won the Algiers World Cup by beating Arianna Errigo. She also won the 2014 NCAA Fencing National Championships. By March 18, 2017, she became the #1 ranked fencer globally. She represented the US at the 2020 Olympics and won gold in individual foil competition. Kiefer will participate in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and successfully defended her gold medal in individual foil fencing.
Lee Kiefer Comes From an Affluent Background: Here’s How Much She’s Worth
Hey, did you see the Paris Olympics news? Lee Kiefer won her second gold medal in fencing. She beat Lauren Scruggs with a 15-6 score. Lee defeated Eleanor Harvey to enter the finals and now holds two Olympic golds. She is the first American woman to win consecutive gold medals in this event. Scruggs got silver after beating Alice Volpi in the semis. Lee’s victory boosted Team USA’s total medals to 12 in Paris, including three golds. She joins other top athletes like Torri Huske and the men’s swim team. It’s an exciting time for Team USA supporters! Now, let’s talk about the luxurious side of being a top athlete. Lee’s gold medals show her skill and bring attention to the financial rewards and lavish lifestyle that come with elite sports like fencing.
Lee Comes From An Affluent Family Background
Lee Kiefer’s background shaped her fencing journey, given the sport’s elite reputation and costly nature. Her family emphasizes success; her parents, Steven and Teresa, are a neurosurgeon and psychiatrist. Their gatherings likely revolve around brain functions and mental health discussions. With financially stable parents, Lee had the support needed for fencing’s expenses like gear, coaching, traveling, camps, and competitions. This financial backing eased the burden that often hinders talented athletes in less popular sports.
Lee Kiefer is wealthy, which matters in fencing, seen as a rich person’s sport historically. Fencing was elite, especially in Europe. Let’s talk money; medals shine, but cash and endorsements shine more. Lee Kiefer excels in fencing, winning medals and cash prizes. Did you know the USOPC pays $37,500 for gold? Silver and bronze get $22,500 and $15,000. Medals are worth more than bragging rights.
Lee Kiefer Net Worth
However, it becomes even more fascinating when considering that athletes such as Lee are not only earning money from competitions but are also attracting major brands seeking the ideal representative for their advertisements. Endorsements are where the substantial income begins to flow. Whenever you spot an athlete on a billboard or in a commercial, it’s not just about fame—they are receiving significant payment. So, what does this mean for her? Presently, Lee’s net worth is approximately $400,000.
Early Life and Family
Lee Kiefer was born on June 15, 1994, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA to Teresa and Steven Kiefer. Her family has a strong background in both fencing and medicine. Raised alongside siblings Alexandra and Axel, who are also skilled fencers, the Kiefer family frequently trained together, nurturing a sense of competitiveness and strong familial ties.
Personal Life
Lee Kiefer is married to another fencer, Gerek Meinhardt, whom she met through fencing. Meinhardt has competed for the United States in fencing and achieved bronze in men’s team foil at both the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. Lee Kiefer’s family plays a major role in her life, as her siblings and husband are all deeply engaged in the sport.
Ambitions
In the future, Lee Kiefer plans to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, further developing her successful fencing career.
Lee Kiefer Educational Background
Lee Kiefer’s educational path is distinguished by accomplishments in both academics and athletics. While studying at the University of Notre Dame, she excelled in fencing, earning recognition as the Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Foilist of the Year in 2015 and 2017, as well as receiving the Walter M. Langford Award in 2017 for her sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork. Following her graduation with a science degree from Notre Dame, Lee Kiefer pursued further studies in medicine at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Despite considering stepping away from fencing to focus on medical school, she opted to continue her fencing journey after achieving the world number one ranking in 2017. Lee Kiefer paused her medical studies in March 2021 to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics but intends to resume her medical education post-Games.
Lee Kiefer Parents
Lee Kiefer’s parents are Teresa and Steven Kiefer. Teresa, who is a doctor, immigrated from the Philippines to the United States when she was young. Steven, on the other hand, was a former fencing team captain at Duke University. Both parents greatly influenced Lee Kiefer’s life by backing her fencing pursuits and imparting a solid work ethic. Their mutual passion for fencing prompted Lee and her siblings to engage in the sport early on.
Lee Kiefer Siblings
Lee Kiefer’s siblings, Alexandra and Axel Kiefer, have excelled in fencing as well. They trained together with Lee during their upbringing, fostering a close family connection through the sport. Alexandra and Axel have competed for the United States in global fencing events, upholding the family’s esteemed reputation in the field. Their dedication and competitive nature have significantly influenced Lee Kiefer’s fencing career.
Lee Kiefer Height and Weight Measurements
Lee Kiefer is 1.63 meters tall, equivalent to around 5 feet 4 inches, and weighs 49 kilograms, roughly 108 pounds. Her height and weight are ideal for her sport, contributing to her success as a foil fencer.
Lee Kiefer Awards and Achievements
Lee Kiefer has been honored with multiple awards and accomplishments during her fencing career. She secured gold medals in women’s individual foil at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics, becoming the first American to do so. Kiefer also achieved gold in women’s individual foil at the Pan American Games on three occasions: 2011, 2015, and 2019. She holds ten Pan American Championship titles, establishing a sport record. In 2022, she was enshrined in the International Fencing Federation Hall of Fame for her remarkable fencing achievements and triumphs.
Lee Kiefer Husband
Lee Kiefer is married to Gerek Meinhardt, who is also a successful fencer from the United States. Gerek has achieved bronze medals in men’s team foil at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, in addition to competing in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Their shared love for fencing brought Gerek and Lee Kiefer together, forming a strong bond between them.
Lee Kiefer World Rank
Lee Kiefer holds the top spot globally in foil fencing due to her exceptional performance and achievements in the sport, showcasing her skill, dedication, and success on the world stage.
Lee Kiefer Handling
Lee Kiefer, a fencer, utilizes her right hand to wield and manage her foil weapon in competitions, a crucial element of her fencing approach.
Family and Relatives
Faq
What is Lee Kiefer age?
Lee Kiefer was born on June 15, 1994, so she is currently 30 years old as of 2024.
What is Lee Kiefer height and weight?
Lee Kiefer is 1.63 meters tall (5 feet 4 inches) and weighs 49 kilograms (108 pounds).
What is Lee Kiefer current world ranking in fencing?
Lee Kiefer is ranked number one in the world in foil fencing.
Who is Lee Kiefer husband?
Lee Kiefer is married to Gerek Meinhardt, a fellow American fencer.
What are Lee Kiefer major career achievements?
Lee Kiefer has won gold medals in women’s individual foil at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics and has also won ten Pan American Championship titles.
What education has Lee Kiefer completed?
Lee Kiefer graduated with a degree in science from the University of Notre Dame and began studying medicine at the University of Kentucky.
Who are Lee Kiefer parents?
Her parents are Teresa Kiefer, a doctor who emigrated from the Philippines, and Steven Kiefer, a former fencing team captain at Duke University.
What are the names of Lee Kiefer siblings?
Lee Kiefer siblings are Alexandra Kiefer and Axel Kiefer, both of whom are competitive fencers.
Who is Lee Kiefer current fencing coach?
Lee Kiefer current head coach is Amgad Khazbak.
Lee Kiefer Images