Early Life and Family
Lee Kiefer was born on June 15, 1994, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. She grew up in a family deeply involved in fencing and medicine. Her parents are Teresa Kiefer, a doctor who emigrated from the Philippines as a child, and Steven Kiefer, who captained the fencing team at Duke University. Lee's siblings, Alexandra and Axel Kiefer, are also accomplished fencers. The Kiefer family often trained together, which fostered a competitive spirit and close bonds.
Fencing Career
Lee Kiefer began fencing at the age of six after watching her father compete at a local event. Intrigued by the sport, she and her siblings started learning the basics from their father and attended a fencing club twice a week. Her early exposure and family support played a crucial role in her development as a fencer.
Lee Kiefer dedication and talent quickly became apparent. She rose through the ranks to become a top competitor in the sport. She achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in women’s individual foil at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. She repeated this success at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Throughout her career, Lee Kiefer has also excelled in other competitions. She made history by winning three consecutive individual Pan American Games titles in 2011, 2015, and 2019, and has won a total of ten Pan American Championship titles. Her remarkable achievements earned her induction into the International Fencing Federation Hall of Fame in 2022.
Lee Kiefer attended the University of Notre Dame, where she was recognized as the Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Foilist of the Year in 2015 and 2017. She also received the Walter M. Langford Award for sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork in 2017. After completing her undergraduate studies, she pursued a medical degree at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Though she initially considered retiring from fencing to focus on medicine, she decided to continue competing after earning the International Fencing Federation’s world number one ranking in 2017. In March 2021, she took a year off from medical school to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics.
Personal Life
Lee Kiefer is married to fellow fencer Gerek Meinhardt, whom she met through the sport. Meinhardt has represented the United States in fencing and won bronze in men's team foil at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. Lee Kiefer family continues to be a significant influence in her life, with her siblings and husband all actively involved in fencing.
Ambitions
Looking ahead, Lee Kiefer aims to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, continuing to build on her illustrious career in fencing.
Lee Kiefer Educational Background
Lee Kiefer educational journey is marked by both academic and athletic achievements. She attended the University of Notre Dame, where she excelled in fencing and was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Women's Foilist of the Year in 2015 and 2017. In addition, she received the Walter M. Langford Award in 2017 for her sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork.
After graduating from Notre Dame with a degree in science, Lee Kiefer pursued further education in medicine at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Although she considered retiring from fencing to focus on medical school, she decided to continue her fencing career after earning the world number one ranking in 2017. Lee Kiefer took a break from her medical studies in March 2021 to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics but plans to return to her medical education after the Games.
Lee Kiefer Parents
Lee Kiefer parents are Teresa and Steven Kiefer. Teresa is a doctor who moved to the United States from the Philippines as a child. Steven is a former fencing team captain at Duke University. Both parents played a significant role in Lee Kiefer life, supporting her fencing career and instilling a strong work ethic. Their shared interest in fencing led to Lee and her siblings getting involved in the sport from a young age.
Lee Kiefer Siblings
Lee Kiefer siblings, Alexandra and Axel Kiefer, are both accomplished fencers. Growing up, they trained alongside Lee and shared a strong family bond through the sport. Alexandra and Axel have represented the United States in international fencing competitions, continuing the family's tradition of excellence in the sport. Their involvement and competitive spirit have been a key part of Lee Kiefer fencing journey.
Lee Kiefer Height and Weight Measurements
Lee Kiefer stands 1.63 meters tall, which is about 5 feet 4 inches. She weighs 49 kilograms, or approximately 108 pounds. Her height and weight are well-suited for her sport, helping her excel as a foil fencer.
Lee Kiefer Awards and Achievements
Lee Kiefer has received numerous awards and achievements throughout her fencing career. She won gold medals in women’s individual foil at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics, making her the first American to achieve this feat. Kiefer also claimed gold in women’s individual foil at the Pan American Games three times, in 2011, 2015, and 2019. She has won a total of ten Pan American Championship titles, setting a record in the sport. In 2022, she was inducted into the International Fencing Federation Hall of Fame, recognizing her outstanding contributions and success in fencing.
Lee Kiefer Husband
Lee Kiefer husband is Gerek Meinhardt, a fellow fencer from the United States. Like Lee, Gerek has had a successful fencing career, winning bronze medals in men’s team foil at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. He also competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Gerek and Lee Kiefer met through the sport and share a strong connection due to their mutual passion for fencing.
Lee Kiefer World Rank
Lee Kiefer is ranked number one in the world in foil fencing. This top ranking reflects her outstanding performance and success in the sport. Her position as the world’s leading fencer highlights her skill, dedication, and achievements on the international stage.
Lee Kiefer Handling
Lee Kiefer is a right-handed fencer. This means she uses her right hand to hold and control her foil weapon during matches. Her right-handedness is a key aspect of her fencing technique and strategy.
FAQs
1. What is Lee Kiefer age?
Lee Kiefer was born on June 15, 1994, so she is currently 30 years old as of 2024.
2. What is Lee Kiefer height and weight?
Lee Kiefer is 1.63 meters tall (5 feet 4 inches) and weighs 49 kilograms (108 pounds).
3. What is Lee Kiefer current world ranking in fencing?
Lee Kiefer is ranked number one in the world in foil fencing.
4. Who is Lee Kiefer husband?
Lee Kiefer is married to Gerek Meinhardt, a fellow American fencer.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. What are the names of Lee Kiefer siblings?
Lee Kiefer siblings are Alexandra Kiefer and Axel Kiefer, both of whom are competitive fencers.
9. Who is Lee Kiefer current fencing coach?
Lee Kiefer current head coach is Amgad Khazbak.
10. What is Lee Kiefer nationality?
Lee Kiefer is American.
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