Lausanne, Switzerland – The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with USA Fencing to establish a comprehensive cooperative framework on the road to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
The agreement, signed on 24 April at USA Fencing’s North American Cup in Richmond, Virginia, creates a joint “Fencing Road to LA28 Working Group” tasked with identifying opportunities, sharing information and tracking progress through to the LA28 Closing Ceremony. The MoU remains in force until 31 December 2028. World Para Fencing, which is responsible for Paralympic/wheelchair fencing, has also been invited to participate.
The collaboration arrives at a time of strong momentum. Following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the FIE implemented a global strategy built around participation, leadership, education, development and governance in the lead-up to LA28 as it works to expand the sport around the globe.
After earning four medals at Paris 2024 – including its first ever team fencing gold and a record third Olympic victory for Lee Kiefer – USA Fencing has become one of the fastest-growing National Governing Bodies in the United States, with more than 50,000 members and 750-plus clubs.
Under the MoU, the FIE and USA Fencing will coordinate on major marketing and communications initiatives, athlete promotion and ambassador work. The two organisations will collaborate on content, events and activations as excitement builds towards LA28.
“Following fencing’s unforgettable showing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, our entire community is looking ahead with great anticipation to Los Angeles 2028,” said FIE Interim President Abdelmoneim ElHusseiny, who signed the agreement. “To build on that success, we are actively expanding our efforts to grow and develop fencing at all levels. Our MoU with USA Fencing solidifies this commitment, ensuring the brightest future for fencing in the United States and around the world. By deepening our collaboration on the road to LA28, we aim to showcase our sport at its most vibrant, inclusive, and competitive.”
Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Fencing, said: “This agreement puts into writing the collaborative relationship that the FIE and USA Fencing have enjoyed for decades. The FIE runs fencing around the world, and USA Fencing runs it at home. For the next two-and-a-half years, home is where the Olympic Games are going to be. We have an extraordinary story to tell, and we’re going to tell it better as partners than alone. To our members: this is about making sure that when Los Angeles arrives, the whole world knows what you already know about this sport.”
Both organisations have committed to ongoing coordination through the working group, with specific initiatives to be announced as plans take shape.
Fencing has been contested at every modern Olympic Games since 1896, one of only five sports with that distinction (alongside athletics, gymnastics, cycling, and swimming). In 2028, the sport returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center – the same building that served as the Main Press Centre at the Los Angeles 1984 Games – for the first Summer Olympic Games on US soil since 1996.
About the FIE
The International Fencing Federation (FIE) is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the global governing body for fencing, part of the Olympic Games since 1896. Founded in 1913 and based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the FIE maintains affiliation with 157 member federations representing the sport on all five continents. As the sport’s global authority, the FIE is responsible for the global strategy, promotion, and international positioning of the sport. The FIE establishes and oversees the rules for the three disciplines of epee, foil, and sabre at all sanctioned international competitions. For more information, please contact us at press@fie.ch or visit: fie.org
About USA Fencing
USA Fencing is the national governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the United States. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA Fencing is recognised by the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the International Fencing Federation, and serves more than 45,000 members and 750 clubs nationwide. For more information, visit usafencing.org