New Chairman for USA Fencing
USA Fencing has appointed a new chairman following the decision of the previous chairman not to seek re-election this weekend. The organization confirmed that Scott Rogers, a former Paralympic wheelchair fencing athlete, will take over from Damian Lehfeldt.
According to a statement released by USA Fencing last Friday, “On October 24, the USA Fencing Board of Directors elected Dr. Scott Rogers PLY as Chairman of the Board. Dr. Rogers, a Paralympic medalist and an active athlete for the first time, is also the first Para-Fencer to lead the Board of Directors. His term will last until the Board’s annual meeting in the fall of 2027.”
The statement also highlighted that Rogers’ selection underlines a commitment to athlete-centered governance and the promotion of fencing across all levels. They expressed gratitude for Lehfeldt’s service as he steps down.
Lehfeldt cited a host of issues, including “lawsuits” and “death threats,” as key reasons for not re-running. He has faced considerable controversy in recent months, especially since a disqualification incident involving female fencer Stephanie Turner, who faced backlash after protesting against a transgender athlete.
In light of these events, Lehfeldt received a subpoena to appear at a Congressional hearing concerning the organization’s stance on transgender athletes. Notably, he was accused by former Olympic coach Andrei Geva and Olympic fencer Abdel Salem of making untrue statements during this hearing.
Lehfeldt expressed fatigue from the turmoil, stating, “I didn’t sign up to spend my nights and weekends dealing with lawsuits and threats that distract me from the core responsibility of growing our sport.” He admitted he underestimated the time commitment needed for the role, especially while balancing a full-time job and family.
In his resignation announcement, he reiterated his belief that “Fencing is for everyone” and emphasized the importance of inclusion regardless of background. Despite the challenges, he intends to continue advocating for a welcoming fencing community.
The fallout from the May 7 hearing saw Lehfeldt’s social media posts scrutinized and used against him. One comment, made jokingly about whether it was acceptable to disadvantage female fencers, became particularly controversial.
During the hearing, he acknowledged that he regretted his response and recognized that the question warranted a more complicated answer. He also confessed to altering an email for comedic effect that drew criticism during the hearing, describing it as a “poor attempt at humor.”
Notably, Rep. Tim Bursett asked if he would allow his daughter to compete against “men,” to which Lehfeldt responded affirmatively, emphasizing adherence to hormone guidelines and policies.
Following the controversies, Turner has spoken about pushing for leadership changes within USA Fencing once he retires, particularly targeting individuals who issued statements that he felt harassed women in the sport.
The Board has since updated its policies, making changes that reflect broader inclusivity and compliance with recent shifts in competition guidelines related to transgender participation.
USA Fencing has publicly defended its inclusiveness amidst ongoing legal challenges, ensuring that it serves all members with integrity and remains focused on growth and support for the fencing community.
