LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 2024 Summer Olympics are right around the corner, happening this summer in Paris. Kentucky fencer Lee Kiefer will compete with Team USA once again this year.
Kiefer grew up in Lexington and practiced at the Louisville Fencing Center. She is the first American to win gold in Olympic Individual Foil. The Olympian has become an inspiration to young female fencers in Kentucky.
“To see her get this opportunity to show out and show all these other young ladies, that is what we’re proud of and we’re really proud of what she does,” said Dawn Wilson, the head coach at the Louisville Fencing Center.
Reagan Redemann is among those who look up to Kiefer.
“She’s really inspired me, not only in fencing but outside of fencing,” Redemann said.
Redemann is 11 years old and has been fencing for three years. She practices at the Louisville Fencing Center. When Redemann first started, coaches were impressed with her.
“I’m looking at the lesson and I’m just like, ‘OK, how long has this kid been fencing?’” said Wilson after observing Redemann working with Maestro Leslaw Stawicki, who founded the Louisville Fencing Center.
Wilson says that Stawicki responded, “‘Just started,’” and, in surprise, Wilson said, “‘What?’”
“You know, it was just almost innate. It was like she was good,” Wilson continued.
Redemann would have some fun experiences, such as winning her first tournament and meeting Kiefer.
“I really was excited but also nervous because meeting your idol, I mean, what are you supposed to do?” Redemann said.
The young fencer plans to continue working hard to follow in the footsteps of her role model, who, according to the International Fencing Federation, is the No. 1 ranked female foil fencer in the world.