USA Fencing Reveals Star-Studded Hall of Fame Class of 2026

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — After a memberwide vote that saw participation from 1,479 of 15,558 eligible voters (9.51% turnout) — surpassing the last Hall of Fame-only election in 2002 (9.05%) — USA Fencing proudly announces the star-studded Hall of Fame Class of 2026, featuring Olympic champions, veteran legends, and dedicated contributors to the sport. 

This elite group, headlined by automatic inductees Mariel Zagunis OLY and Lee Kiefer OLY, will be celebrated during the 2026 USA Fencing Summer Nationals, set for late June or early July (exact dates and location to be announced).

Mariel Zagunis OLY – Zagunis, a two-time Olympic champion in women’s saber, is widely regarded as the most decorated U.S. fencer in history. She captured individual gold medals at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics and earned Olympic bronze medals in 2008 (team) and 2016 (team). Beyond the Olympics, Zagunis secured multiple World Championship medals and inspired a generation of fencers.

Lee Kiefer OLY – Kiefer became the first American foil fencer to win individual Olympic gold, claiming her historic medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games. She also played a pivotal role in Team USA’s first-ever women’s foil team gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she added a second individual gold. A four-time Olympian and four-time NCAA champion, Kiefer continues to inspire as the most successful U.S. women's foil fencer.

Kelley Hurley OLY (athlete category) – A four-time Olympian and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist in women’s epee, Hurley has been a cornerstone of Team USA for over two decades. She helped secure the first-ever Olympic team medal for U.S. women’s epee in London 2012 and contributed to a World Championship team gold in 2018. Hurley's resilience and consistent excellence set her apart.

Race Imboden OLY (athlete category) – Imboden, a three-time Olympian, secured Olympic team bronze medals in men’s foil at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games. He also helped lead Team USA to a historic World Championship gold in 2019. Known for his elegant fencing style and advocacy off the strip, Imboden remains influential within and beyond the sport.

Dagmara Wozniak OLY (athlete category) – Wozniak, known for her fierce and dynamic saber fencing, earned a bronze medal in the team event at the 2016 Rio Olympics. A three-time Olympian, she also amassed numerous World Cup and Pan American medals throughout her career. Wozniak continues to impact the sport as a dedicated coach; she currently serves as Team USA’s Women’s Saber National Coach.

Jennette Starks-Faulkner (veteran category) – Starks-Faulkner has been an exceptional figure in veteran fencing, accumulating an impressive 10 individual Veteran World Championship medals across foil and saber. She returned to competitive fencing after nearly three decades, becoming an inspiration and a mentor to many through her Connecticut Fencers Club.

Laurie Schiller (coach category) – Schiller established himself as a legendary figure in collegiate fencing, coaching Northwestern University for 38 years and earning an impressive 1,261 victories. Under his leadership, Northwestern regularly achieved top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships. Schiller’s influence extends beyond the sport, having shaped countless fencers' lives both on and off the strip.

Andy Shaw (contributor category) – Shaw has dedicated his life to preserving the history of fencing as USA Fencing’s official historian and curator of the Museum of American Fencing. His extensive personal collection ensures that the sport's rich history remains accessible and celebrated. Shaw's tireless efforts have made him a beloved figure within the fencing community.

While we eagerly await celebrating the Class of 2026, tickets remain available for just a few more days for the Class of 2025 Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction. Secure your spot today at this link.

See full voting results in this PDF.