24 to watch in 2024: Can Lexington’s Lee Kiefer make more Olympic history in Paris?
The Lexington Herald-Leader is profiling 24 individuals this month that you should be keeping an eye on in 2024. The selected group represents a cross-section of industries, political parties, missions and the state itself. We believe each is notable for their contributions to Kentucky, as well as their plans for the next 12 months.
Who: Lee Kiefer, Olympic fencer from Lexington and a three-time Olympian and 2021 gold medalist.
Background: A 2012 Paul Laurence Dunbar High School graduate and third-year UK medical student, Kiefer won five NCAA championships as a fencer at Notre Dame. She reached her first Olympics in 2012 and became the first U.S. fencer, male or female, to win a gold medal in foil in the delayed 2020 Games. Kiefer, who opens 2024 ranked No. 1 in the world in foil, has won 22 World Cup medals, including five golds in her career.
Why 2024 will be notable: Kiefer has not completely ruled out continuing her fencing career after the Paris games, but for now this looks like the last year of a career that has made her the most decorated female fencer in U.S. history. She plans to restart her third year of medical school after the Paris games alongside her husband, fellow U.S. fencer Gerek Meinhardt.
Fencing is not usually one of the sports showcased prominently on Olympic broadcasts, but Kiefer and Meinhardt, who opens 2024 ranked No. 2 in the world in men’s foil, have already been featured by NBC in the early promotions for the Paris games. If both Kiefer and Meinhardt qualify for the Olympics, the human interest angle of the husband-wife teammates figures to brighten the spotlight on them when the Olympics begin in late July.
Kiefer has a chance to become just the second U.S. fencer to win multiple Olympic gold medals in any individual event. The last two Olympics have seen the previous women’s foil gold medalist win silver. If Kiefer reaches the podium she would become just the third U.S. fencer to win individual medals at multiple Olympic games.
What others say: “After winning gold in Tokyo, Lee hasn’t slowed down. She finished the 2022-23 season ranked No. 1 in the world in her weapon and refuses to linger on her past success. She’s been relentless in the gym, on the fencing strip and at practice in pursuit of her fourth Olympic appearance and another medal.” — Bryan Wendell (director of communication, USA Fencing)
What Kiefer says: “The Paris Olympics begins in less than 200 days! I am currently immersing myself in the process, but if I qualify for the Games, it will be an epic celebration with my friends and family.”
