USA Fencing Appoints New Chair Amid Controversy and Legal Challenges

USA Fencing Appoints New Chair Amid Controversy and Legal Challenges

USA Fencing has officially appointed a new chair following the decision of former chair Damien Lehfeldt not to seek re-election over the weekend. In a statement, the national governing body announced that Scott Rodgers, a Paralympic medalist and former U.S. wheelchair fencing athlete, will succeed Lehfeldt.

On October 24, the Board of Directors of USA Fencing elected Dr. Scott Rodgers to the role of Board Chair. Notably, Dr. Rodgers makes history as the first active athlete and parafencer to head the Board. His term will extend through to the Annual Meeting scheduled for the fall of 2027.

The organization expressed its gratitude towards Lehfeldt, with the statement highlighting that his election signifies a strong commitment to athlete-centered governance and the promotion of fencing at all levels.

Lehfeldt Cites Legal Issues and Personal Well-being

In explaining his decision to step down, Lehfeldt cited numerous lawsuits and even death threats as significant factors. His tenure has been marked by increasing controversies, particularly surrounding the organization’s handling of transgender athletes. The tension escalated in April when women’s fencer Stephanie Turner gained media attention after kneeling in protest against a transgender competitor.

The result was a federal subpoena demanding Lehfeldt’s testimony at a congressional hearing related to USA Fencing’s policies on transgender athletes. Afterward, he faced a lawsuit from former Olympic coach Andrey Geva and former Olympic fencer Abdel Salem, who accused him of making