Tokyo gold medalist Lee Kiefer among 1st U.S.

The journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics has begun for the U.S. fencing team, with Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Lee Kiefer leading the charge alongside three-time medalist Alexander Massialas and bronze medalist Nick Itkin. These remarkable athletes have already secured their spots on the U.S. team, marking a significant milestone in their illustrious fencing careers.

Lee Kiefer, a seasoned veteran at 29 years old, is set to make her fourth Olympic appearance in Paris. As the world No. 1 in foil fencing, Kiefer boasts an impressive resume, having clinched bronze medals at the world championships in both 2022 and 2023. Her crowning achievement came at the Tokyo Olympics, where she etched her name in history as only the third American fencer to claim Olympic gold, following in the footsteps of Albertson Van Zo Post (1904) and Mariel Zagunis (2004, 2008).

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Joining Kiefer on the journey to Paris is Alexander Massialas, also 29 years old and no stranger to Olympic success. Massialas, a stalwart in men’s foil fencing, is ranked fourth in the world in his discipline. His impressive track record includes an individual silver medal at the Rio Olympics and team bronze medals in both Rio and Tokyo. With his wealth of experience and formidable skills, Massialas is poised to make a significant impact at his fourth consecutive Olympic Games.

Nick Itkin, at 24 years old, represents the promising future of American fencing. Qualifying for his second Olympics, Itkin has already left his mark on the international stage. A key member of the bronze-medal foil team in Tokyo, Itkin showcased his talent and determination on the Olympic platform. While he faced disappointment in the individual event, losing in the second round, Itkin bounced back with stellar performances at the world championships. Securing individual bronze and silver medals at the last two editions of the worlds, Itkin has cemented his status as a rising star in the sport. His achievements also mark a historic milestone for U.S. fencing, as he became the first American man to claim consecutive individual medals at world championships.

The journey to Olympic qualification is not only a testament to the skill and dedication of these athletes but also reflects the rich diversity of backgrounds within the U.S. fencing community. For Itkin, whose parents hail from Ukraine, fencing runs in the family, with his father excelling in the sport in his native country and his mother a former gymnast. This blend of heritage and athletic prowess adds depth to Itkin’s journey and underscores the global appeal of fencing as a sport.

As these remarkable fencers prepare to represent the United States on the grand stage of the Paris Olympics, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation. With their talent, tenacity, and unwavering determination, Kiefer, Massialas, and Itkin are poised to showcase the best of American fencing and inspire future generations of athletes to pursue their Olympic dreams.