USA Fencing head replaced, former chair cites 'lawsuits' in decision to not seek re-election

Former US Olympic fencing team coach Andrey Geva opened up to Fox News Digital why he is suing USA Fencing chair Damien Lehfeldt after a controversial testimony at a May 7 congressional hearing.

USA Fencing has a new chair after former chair Damien Lehfeldt announced he would not seek re-election over the weekend. 

The national governing body confirmed that former U.S. wheelchair fencing Paralympian Scott Rodgers succeeded Lehfeldt last Friday, in a statement to Fox News Digital. 

"On Oct. 24, USA Fencing’s Board of Directors elected Dr. Scott Rodgers PLY to serve as Board Chair. Dr. Rodgers is a Paralympic medalist and the first active athlete — and first parafencer — to lead our Board, and he will serve through the Board’s Annual Meeting in fall 2027," the statement read.

"His election reflects the Board's continued commitment to athlete‑centered governance and the growth of fencing at every level. We thank Damien Lehfeldt for his service; his term as Board Chair has concluded."  

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Stephanie Turner, left, the U.S. fencer who refused to compete against a transgender opponent, former high school volleyball player Payton McNabb, and USA Fencing Board Chairman Damien Lehfeldt testify during House hearing on trans people in women's sports on Capitol Hill on May 7, 2025. (Oliver Contreras/AFP via Getty Images)

In Lehfeldt's announcement that he would not seek re-election, he cited "lawsuits" and "death threats" as a reason for his decision. Lehfeldt has been at the center of controversy for USA Fencing dating back to April when women's fencer Stephanie Turner went viral for kneeling in protest of a transgender fencer, and was disqualified. 

The incident prompted a federal