What a breathtaking year for American fencing it was in 2024! The Paris Olympics became our field of dreams, where years of dedication crystallized into an extraordinary four-medal haul that left the fencing world in awe. And while the rest of the world stands amazed, we in the US are ecstatic – and for good reason!

Lee Keifer’s journey to becoming the first American triple Olympic gold medalist spanned two Games – her individual gold in Tokyo 2020 blazed the trail for her double gold triumph in Paris (individual and team). Combined with Lauren Scruggs’s silver and Nick Itkin’s bronze, these achievements didn’t just break records – they shattered expectations of what American fencing could achieve.

This success builds on a legacy of American women breaking barriers: the Zimmerman sisters revolutionizing junior foil, Mariel Zagunis’s unprecedented sabre dominance with two Olympic golds, and Courtney Hurley’s World Championship epee bronze. Our men have matched this excellence: the historic 2012 epee team gold, Miles Chamley-Watson’s 2013 World Championship in foil, Daryl Homer’s Rio Olympic silver in sabre, and Eli Dershwitz’s 2023 World Championship gold in sabre. While we’re still pursuing senior epee breakthroughs, our momentum across weapons is undeniable.

The “Paris Effect” has ignited a fencing fever across America. Clubs are overflowing with inspired youngsters, each dreaming of becoming the next Keifer or Itkin. Enrollment numbers are soaring, and the surge in interest spans all weapons and age groups. While American fencing still has areas to strengthen internally, one thing is undeniable – never before has our sport had such powerful momentum.

The road to LA 2028 buzzes with anticipation. Being a host country, we will be able to fill all fencing events to the maximum quota. Just imagine what would be our home crowd’s energy, fueling every lunge and parry, with American fencers competing across all events – a powerhouse presence that seemed unimaginable years ago. Our junior ranks are brimming with new talented athletes ready to step onto the world highest stage.

The future of American fencing isn’t just bright – it’s dazzling. Here’s to an extraordinary 2025!