Gold medalist Lee Kiefer of celebrates on the podium after winning Women's Foil Olympic gold in Paris. She would later help Team USA win team gold as well.
Lee Kiefer Named AAU Sullivan Award Finalist: Now It’s Your Turn to Vote!
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by Bryan Wendell
Lee Kiefer, a three-time Olympic champion and reigning queen of American foil, could become the first fencer in history to win the prestigious AAU Sullivan Award — and your vote could make all the difference.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Lee Kiefer’s place in U.S. fencing history is already unquestioned — she’s a four-time Olympian, a three-time Olympic champion and a Class of 2025 USA Fencing Hall of Famer.
In Paris 2024, she added two more Olympic golds (individual and team) to her résumé, helping Team USA capture its first-ever women’s foil team title. Now Kiefer has a shot at an honor no other fencer has ever claimed: the AAU Sullivan Award.
Kiefer becomes just the second fencer to be a finalist for this award, first presented in 1930. The other: Lt. George Calnan, who won bronze at the 1928 and 1932 Olympics in men’s epee.
Since 1930, the AAU Sullivan Award has recognized the most outstanding athlete across collegiate, Olympic, and other elite sports, celebrating excellence on the field of play as well as leadership, character, and sportsmanship.
Kiefer is joined by an impressive group of finalists who have also excelled at the highest levels of their sports: Trey Augustine (Ice Hockey, Michigan State), Cooper Flagg (Basketball, Duke), Ashton Jeanty (Football, Boise State), Ilia Malinin (Figure Skating), and Lexi Rodriguez (Volleyball, Nebraska).
The public voting period is open from March 13 to March 20, meaning the fencing community has one week to help propel Kiefer to a historic victory. You may vote once per 24 hours.
The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on April 15 at the New York Athletic Club.
Every vote counts! Cast yours today and show your support for one of the most decorated fencers in American history.
