Lee Kiefer and Gerek Meinhardt are often referred to as the first couple of U.S. Fencing.
Both athletes are competing in their fourth Olympic Games as a couple at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking Meinhardt’s fifth appearance. The duo first met in 2012 on the international stage and have supported each other ever since.
Their journey together began at junior competitions and continued through their time at the University of Notre Dame and on Team USA. As they contemplate retiring from fencing, they are pursuing medical careers at the University of Kentucky’s College of Medicine.
“Both of us thought we were going to retire at 22,” Kiefer shared with *Town & Country* in July 2024. “I’m 30, and he’s turning 34, and we’re really proud that [we’re still competing].”
Kiefer and Meinhardt first connected at the London Olympic Games 2012, discovering commonalities such as their Asian American heritage, specialization in foil fencing, and shared interest in medicine.
Kiefer admitted in July 2024, “I started crushing on Gerek,” and made the first move. During the Games, Meinhardt finished 4th in team foil, while Kiefer placed 5th in individual foil and 6th in team events.
In July 2016, the couple paused their studies to compete in the Rio Olympics. Meinhardt secured a bronze medal in team foil, and Kiefer placed 10th individually. The couple married in July 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky, surrounded by loved ones.
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted their training and studies, but Kiefer and Meinhardt practiced at home with her brother and his girlfriend. “We played a lot of fencing games, getting creative, to help keep us fresh,” Kiefer told.
At the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021, Kiefer made history by defeating defending champion Inna Deriglazova of Russia to win gold. Meinhardt, cheering from the stands, was reminded by Kiefer to “jump on the bus back to the village” to rest for his event the next day.
The couple returned to compete in Paris, likely for the last time. As seasoned athletes, they have become key figures in mentoring younger teammates. Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Fencing, praised their exceptional leadership. Kiefer reflected on their roles, saying, “We love doing it together.”
On July 28, 2024, Kiefer successfully defended her gold medal, becoming the first American to win consecutive Olympic titles in the event.
