A composite portrait of Peter Westbrook and Mariel Zagunis

Zagunis and Westbrook Named U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame Finalists

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by Bryan Wendell

Mariel Zagunis and Peter Westbrook have been named finalists for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame Class of 2025, marking a historic opportunity for the fencing community to see its first-ever inductee.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — No fencer has ever been inducted into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame since its inception in 1983​. Now two of USA Fencing’s own are on the ballot to change that. 

Six-time Olympian Peter Westbrook OLY and two-time Olympic champion Mariel Zagunis OLY were selected as finalists for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced today.

Zagunis has been selected as a finalist in the Olympian category, while Westbrook is up for induction in the Legend category.

Should either (or both) be inducted, they would become the first fencers in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame.

Zagunis is a five-time Olympian and a two-time Olympic gold medalist in individual saber (Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008)​. She also earned two Olympic bronze medals, solidifying her status as the most decorated fencer in U.S. history.

Westbrook, a six-time Olympian, won a bronze medal in men’s saber at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics​ — becoming the first African American or Asian American to medal in Olympic fencing​. Westbrook, who died last year, founded the Peter Westbrook Foundation in 1991 to introduce fencing and life skills to underserved youth, mentoring a new generation of athletes.

Team USA fan votes count for 10% while Olympic and Paralympic stakeholders decide the remaining 90% — so every vote can make a difference. USA Fencing members are urged to vote for Zagunis at TeamUSA.com/HOF by April 14. Note: Westbrook is in the Legend category, which is only voted on by Olympians, Paralympians and the Olympic & Paralympic Family.

There are 41 finalists across seven categories (Olympian, Paralympian, Olympic team, Paralympic team, Legend, Coach and Special Contributor)​.

The Class of 2025 will be announced May 6, with induction on July 12 in Colorado Springs. Let’s rally and vote to help our fencing legends take their rightful place in the Hall of Fame — and make history for our sport!

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