Famous fencers: the names to know

American champions

Lee Kiefer, foil. The first American ever to win Olympic individual foil gold (Tokyo 2020), then did it again in Paris 2024, three Olympic golds and counting, the most in U.S. fencing history.
Mariel Zagunis, sabre. Back-to-back individual Olympic golds (2004, 2008) and long the most decorated U.S. fencer.
Race Imboden, foil. Multiple Olympic team medals and one of the sport's most recognizable American faces.
Ibtihaj Muhammad, sabre. The first American to compete at the Olympics in a hijab (2016 team bronze), now an author and role model.

Aladár Gerevich (Hungary), sabre. Won team gold at six consecutive Olympics across 28 years, widely called the greatest fencer ever.
Valentina Vezzali (Italy), foil. Six Olympic golds and one of the most dominant fencers of all time.

Want your fencer's name on a list like this someday? It starts at a local club and follows this pathway.