Following months of controversy and legal challenges, USA Fencing has undergone a significant leadership change as Dr. Scott Rodgers PLY took over as Chair. Damien Lehfeldt, the former chair, announced this weekend that he would not seek re-election, citing the overwhelming legal and personal strain of his tenure. The organization officially confirmed the transition, with Rodgers assuming the role following the Board of Directors’ election.
Lehfeldt’s leadership was marked by intense public and political scrutiny, particularly regarding the organization’s policies on transgender athletes. A key event that sparked widespread attention was the incident involving women’s fencer Stephanie Turner, who knelt in protest during a competition after being disqualified for a match against a transgender fencer. This incident led to federal subpoenas and a congressional hearing, where Lehfeldt faced questioning about the organization’s stance on transgender athletes.
During the hearing, Lehfeldt faced legal challenges from former board members Andrey Geva and Abdel Salem, who filed a lawsuit alleging he made false statements. In a later statement, Lehfeldt expressed his decision to step down, highlighting the toll of legal battles, death threats, and the distraction from his core responsibilities of governing and growing the sport, which he was passionate about. Despite the controversies, Lehfeldt emphasized his commitment to inclusivity in the fencing community, stating, ‘Fencing is for everyone,’ regardless of race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic background.
The organization has since updated its policies on transgender athlete participation, revising its previous stance to align with the USOPC’s new athlete safety guidelines, which include the Trump-era executive order on men in women’s sports. USA Fencing has stated its commitment to transparency and integrity in its policies, asserting that it will vigorously defend itself against ongoing legal challenges. As the sport looks to the future under new leadership, the focus remains on advancing fencing nationwide and upholding the values of the Olympic and Paralympic movements.