USA Fencing’s leadership is crumbling as two board members file a lawsuit exposing alleged lies and misconduct surrounding transgender athlete policies that threaten the organization’s Olympic authority.
Key Takeaways
- USA Fencing board members Andrey Geva and Abdel Salem are suing six directors including chair Damien Lehfeldt for alleged false statements made at a congressional hearing on transgender athletes.
- The lawsuit claims Lehfeldt’s testimony concerning transgender policies undermined USA Fencing’s authority as a national governing body and risked Team USA’s Olympic qualification.
- Female fencer Stephanie Turner’s protest against competing with a transgender opponent sparked the congressional hearing that exposed the internal division.
- Plaintiffs allege board leadership made improper policy changes favoring LGBTQ-friendly states and falsified resignation documentation.
- USA Fencing has acknowledged the lawsuit and stated it will defend itself in court while maintaining its commitment to transparent governance.
Board Members’ Lawsuit Exposes Deep Division
USA Fencing faces an unprecedented internal crisis as board members Andrey Geva and Abdel Salem have filed a lawsuit against the organization’s six other at-large directors, including chair Damien Lehfeldt. The legal action, filed in late 2023, centers on allegations that Lehfeldt made false statements during a May 7 congressional hearing on transgender athletes. This hearing was convened in response to female fencer Stephanie Turner’s protest against competing with a transgender opponent, an incident that gained significant attention within the sport.
The plaintiffs bring considerable credibility to their claims. Geva previously served as the U.S. National Coach for women’s epee from 2011 to 2020, while Salem is both a former Olympic fencer and coach. Their lawsuit seeks Lehfeldt’s removal as chair, claiming his testimony at the hearing jeopardized USA Fencing’s status as the national governing body for the sport. According to court documents, Geva claims he faced threats intended to prevent him from testifying at the hearing.
“‘Transgender women’s fencers have significant advantages in women’s competitions,’ he writes,” Marjorie Taylor-Greene
Controversial Testimony and Admissions
The lawsuit details multiple troubling allegations against Lehfeldt and other board members. Court documents reveal that Lehfeldt admitted to falsifying an email and making inappropriate social media posts prior to the congressional hearing. When questioned about these actions, Lehfeldt reportedly dismissed them, stating: “It was a poor attempt at humor.” This cavalier response has only intensified scrutiny of his leadership and judgment in representing a major Olympic sports organization.
During his testimony, Lehfeldt made statements about transgender athlete participation that plaintiffs claim directly contradicted USA Fencing’s established policies. “As long as the competitor has met all the hormonal requirements and complies with the policy, I would be okay with it,” Lehfeldt stated at the hearing. The lawsuit contends that these statements were made without proper board authorization and have damaged USA Fencing’s reputation and standing within the Olympic community.
Policy Changes and Governance Concerns
Beyond the transgender athlete controversy, the lawsuit alleges troubling changes to USA Fencing’s operational policies. According to court documents, the board has amended guidelines regarding competition host sites, specifically creating preferential treatment for LGBTQ-friendly states. This move, plaintiffs argue, represents an inappropriate politicization of the sport and exceeds the board’s authority. The lawsuit also claims the board improperly modified policies regarding the national anthem at competitions.
Perhaps most alarming are allegations of document manipulation. The plaintiffs assert that leadership falsified resignation documentation, a serious charge that speaks to potential governance failures within the organization. These accusations, if proven true, could trigger additional regulatory scrutiny beyond the current lawsuit. USA Fencing has acknowledged the legal action but defends its commitment to transparent governance, stating it will vigorously defend itself in court.
Broader Implications for Olympic Sports
This internal conflict at USA Fencing represents more than just organizational discord—it reflects the broader tensions in Olympic sports regarding transgender athlete participation. The controversy began with Stephanie Turner’s protest, which she has maintained was about fairness in competition. Turner has publicly called for leadership changes within USA Fencing following the congressional hearing and subsequent fallout. Her stance has resonated with many in the fencing community who believe the current leadership has mishandled this sensitive issue.
The lawsuit’s outcome could have far-reaching consequences for how Olympic sports organizations in the United States address transgender athlete policies. As one of the first major governing bodies to face such a direct legal challenge over its handling of transgender participation rules, USA Fencing’s case may establish precedents that impact other sports. Meanwhile, athletes prepare for competitions under a cloud of uncertainty about the future leadership and direction of their governing organization.
