Two members of the USA Fencing board of directors are taking legal action against their colleagues, claiming that the chair, Damien Lehfeldt, made untrue statements during a congressional hearing. This lawsuit, aiming to have Lehfeldt removed from his position, was initiated by Andrey Geva and Abdel Salem. The allegations focus on a hearing about transgender athletes, where Lehfeldt was accused of misleading Congress.
Both Geva and Salem have extensive backgrounds in fencing. Geva, a former U.S. National Coach, led the U.S. Women’s Épée Team in two Olympics and joined the board in 2024. Salem has represented Egypt in the Olympics and served as a coach at the U.S. Air Force Academy, earning recognition as Coach of the Year in 1996.
The legal dispute stems from a contentious incident involving women’s fencer Stephanie Turner, who protested a transgender opponent. This sparked significant controversy, prompting the hearing where Lehfeldt was the sole representative from USA Fencing. The lawsuit accuses him of making statements that could jeopardize the organization’s status as a national governing body, potentially affecting Team USA’s future Olympic participation.
During the hearing, Lehfeldt’s remarks were seen as damaging to the organization. Geva, who wanted to speak at the hearing, claims he was discouraged through threats. He later sent a letter to Senator Ted Cruz, expressing concerns about transgender athletes’ advantages, which was discussed during the hearing.
The organization has faced backlash from the fencing community, with many members reportedly feeling alienated. USA Fencing, in response to the lawsuit, has stated that it operates with transparency and integrity and is prepared to defend itself in court. The organization emphasized its commitment to advancing fencing and supporting its members.
The controversy intensified due to Lehfeldt’s social media activity. Before the hearing, he made several Instagram posts that drew criticism and were used against him during the proceedings. His comments, including a dismissive response to concerns about female fencers’ disadvantages, were highlighted during the hearing.
Additionally, Lehfeldt admitted to creating a fake email to mock opposing views, which he later described as a failed attempt at humor. During the hearing, he defended the organization’s policies on athlete eligibility, stating that he would allow his daughter to compete against trans athletes if they met the hormonal requirements.
The congressional hearing saw heated exchanges, with some representatives criticizing Lehfeldt’s handling of the situation. Representative Nancy Mace questioned his stance on gender eligibility and challenged him to apologize to Turner, which he declined to do.
Turner, after the hearing, expressed her intention to push for leadership changes within USA Fencing. She called for resignations in response to comments she deemed humiliating towards women and their concerns.
In the wake of this scrutiny, USA Fencing’s board voted to revise certain policies that had been criticized following Turner’s protest. These included policies regarding competition host sites and the playing of the national anthem, although the organization did not provide specific reasons for the changes.
USA Fencing’s response to the lawsuit and the ongoing controversy has been to maintain focus on its mission and values. While the legal battle unfolds, the organization continues to navigate the complex landscape of sports governance and athlete inclusion.
