MANILA – Filipina-American fencer Lee Kiefer, representing Team USA, claimed gold in the women’s foil event of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Monday at the Grand Palais in Paris, France.
Lee, whose mother Teresa is from Tagum City in Davao del Norte, captured her second consecutive Olympic gold medal after defeating teammate Lauren Scruggs in the finals, 15-6.
“I’m still stunned,” Kiefer said in an interview with the Paris Olympics’ official website. “I don’t realize it happened just because it’s been such a long day with a lot of highs and lows.”
“But here we are making history; it’s awesome. Thank you to all my loved ones who are cheering Stateside; all my loved ones who are here, this is for you,” she added.
Kiefer struggled early as she barely escaped Poland’s Martyna Jelinska in the round-of-32, 15-13, before defeating China’s Qianqian Huang, 15-9, and Hungary’s Flora Pasztor, 15-4, to reach the semis.
In the semifinals round, the 30-year-old Kiefer prevailed over reigning world champion Alice Volpi of Italy, 15-10, to set up an all-Team USA finale with Scruggs.
“These have been the most epic last few days of my life, being on the boat for the parade at the Opening Ceremony and then just taking in the grandeur of the Grand Palais. This is not real life,” said Kiefer.
“I don’t think my life is going to change. That’s just me, I’m chill. I’m a good fencer and I still have a lot of studying to do,” she added.
Kiefer will have a shot at her second medal in the Paris Summer Games as she competes for Team USA in the Team Foil event./PN
