Former U.S. Fencing Coach Sues USA Fencing Over Testimony on Trans Athletes
Former U.S. Olympic fencing coach Andrey Geva has filed a lawsuit against USA Fencing chair Damien Lehfeldt, alleging that the chair made false and misleading statements during a congressional hearing on transgender athletes. Geva, a USA Fencing board member, claims that Lehfeldt misrepresented the advantages of transgender athletes in fencing, arguing that the sport is primarily based on strategy and technique, which offer no inherent advantage to transgender individuals. This lawsuit is part of a broader debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s events, a topic that has gained national attention following several controversies, including the protest by women’s fencer Stephanie Turner.
The suit, which was filed alongside fellow board member Abdel Salem, seeks to have Lehfeldt removed as chair. Geva, who served as Team USA’s head fencing coach and managing director from 2013 to 2021, led the team through the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2021 Tokyo Games, during which the U.S. team won six Olympic medals, including gold in the women’s individual foil event in Tokyo. Geva asserts that Lehfeldt’s statements contradicted his own extensive coaching experience, as he believes the differences between male and female athletes necessitate distinct training methods.
Lehfeldt’s congressional testimony, particularly his assertion that women more commonly exhibit advantageous traits such as flexibility and agility, has come under scrutiny. Geva argued that this claim is untrue and that his coaching approach accounts for the inherent differences between male and female athletes, requiring tailored strategies for competitive success. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Geva criticized Lehfeldt’s testimony, stating that the chair’s claims were inaccurate and that his approach to coaching is rooted in the distinct characteristics of each athlete.
In addition to the allegations regarding his comments on transgender athletes, Lehfeldt’s testimony was marred by a series of controversial Instagram posts that were later used against him in the hearing. One post, in which he responded to a question about putting female fencers at a disadvantage with a blunt ‘Yeah,’ drew immediate backlash. During the committee hearing, Lehfeldt admitted regret over his answer, acknowledging that the question required a more nuanced response. He also confessed to fabricating an email from a fictitious fencing mother, ‘Dorothy,’ who disagreed with him, labeling those with similar views as ‘grand wizard’ of the Ku Klux Klan. This revelation further intensified the scrutiny surrounding his leadership and conduct.
The lawsuit claims that Lehfeldt’s comments could jeopardize USA Fencing’s status as a national governing body, as the organization faces potential declassification due to controversial statements. Geva also highlighted that Lehfeldt’s remarks have alienated thousands of members, many of whom contribute over 90% of the federation’s revenue. He explained that several private clubs have left USA Fencing in response to the organization’s current transgender eligibility policy, which allows biological males to compete in women’s events, and have instead joined the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)’s Fencing League of America.
In response to the lawsuit, USA Fencing emphasized its commitment to transparency and integrity. In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, the organization stated that it would vigorously defend itself in court, as the legal proceedings are ongoing. The statement also highlighted the federation’s growth, noting that it has recorded over 43,000 members and nearly 750 clubs, the highest numbers in its history, countering claims that the organization has suffered a decline in membership.
Geva’s lawsuit has sparked broader discussions about the implications of allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s events and the potential impact on the sport’s integrity. The incident involving women’s fencer Stephanie Turner, who knelt to protest a transgender opponent and was subsequently punished by USA Fencing, has further fueled the debate. As the legal and political tensions within USA Fencing continue, the case represents a significant moment in the ongoing discourse over gender and sports participation at the Olympic level.