USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — As one of just a handful of sports to have been contested at every Olympics since the first modern Games in 1896, fencing holds an important place in our history.

But for our beloved sport to make it another 127 years, it’s going to take the time and talent of some dedicated members. Today, we’re honored to salute two such individuals.

We wanted to take a moment to recognize the dedicated service of Robert Zagunis OLY and Bill Walker, U.S. Fencing Foundation trustees who embody the principles of excellence, leadership and community involvement that form the bedrock of the Foundation’s mission. 

As both men announce they will step down from the Foundation to focus on other responsibilities, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank them for their service.

Zagunis has been a trustee for a decade, including eight as its president. Walker’s service to the Foundation has spanned three years. Serving in these volunteer roles, both men have given their time, talent and treasure to the sport they both love. 

USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews is among the many singing their praises.

“The success of USA Fencing is tied to the success of the U.S. Fencing Foundation. And our Foundation owes much to the steadfast commitment and tireless efforts of Robert Zagunis OLY and Bill Walker,” he says. “They have each, in their own ways, shaped the Foundation and have inspired a shared vision of excellence, stewardship and community. We are immensely grateful for their service.”

Robert Zagunis's remarkable leadership abilities have been proven through a variety of roles and responsibilities that he has held over the years. A true advocate for sporting excellence and community involvement, Zagunis has dedicated 10 outstanding years to the U.S. Fencing Foundation, including eight as its Board of Trustees president.

Zagunis is a 1976 Olympian in rowing and a life member of both USA Fencing and USRowing. His love for rowing led to his triumph at the 1975 Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships, the World Championships and Pan American Games. His commitment to sport and leadership didn't stop there. For the quadrennium ending in 1994, Zagunis served as a director, treasurer, and member of the executive committee for USRowing.

Zagunis leveraged his professional experiences and his education in business and international trade to provide a solid footing for his work at the Foundation.

As a philanthropist, community advocate, and sporting enthusiast, Zagunis has poured his efforts into supporting fencing, largely inspired by his daughter, Mariel Zagunis OLY, the most decorated fencer in United States history.

Walker’s journey with fencing began in 1973 in Seattle under Leon Auriol. Over the years, he competed in various local and regional tournaments, showcasing his skill in all three fencing weapons. Walker resumed his fencing career in 2008 and has since been an invaluable asset to USA Fencing and the Foundation.

Most recently, Walker served as chairman of the USA Fencing Veteran Committee. He has also been a member of the USA Fencing Marketing Resource Team, contributing his expertise and insights to grow the sport.

With the Foundation, Walker has brought a wealth of experience from a successful professional career spanning various sectors, including multiple technology start-ups, Fairchild Imaging, and the Department of the Navy. His unique skillset, shaped by his experience in engineering and advanced technology, has made him an indispensable part of the Foundation.

Walker's unwavering commitment to the sport is a testament to his love for fencing and the community it nurtures.

Today and beyond, we salute both of these men and thank them for their service to fencing.