Photo credit: Tom Hill
The International Fencing Federation (FIE) congratulates British fencer Dr Clare Halsted for being named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her long and distinguished service to our sport.
A two-time Olympic foilist and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Halsted was conferred the distinction on the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List, an annual recognition of exceptional achievements and significant contributions to British society.
Halsted, a former coach and volunteer administrator at the national and international level, has made an exceptional contribution to fencing and public service in Great Britain during a 50+ year career that continues to this day.
In addition to being a longstanding and highly regarded fencing administrator, Halsted is also a doctor known for championing athlete welfare and anti-doping initiatives. An FIE Medical Delegate at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Halsted led the FIE’s Anti-Doping Programme from 2017 to 2024, helping to shape global anti-doping policy and athlete safety.
“It is a wonderful feeling to receive such an award, and I am very grateful for everything fencing has given me,” Halsted said about her OBE. “Being part of the vibrant fencing community has enriched my whole life. Thank you, British Fencing, and everyone I have had the opportunity to get to know through our beloved sport.”
Halsted competed at the Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976 Olympic Games. She won a gold medal as a member of the English foil team at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.
British Fencing (BF) noted that she mentored “generations of fencers, coaches, and referees, instilling values of discipline, service and integrity, and in 2018 was recognised as a National Lottery Legend. For several years she provided free accommodation and support for financially disadvantaged GBR athletes training in London.”
Halsted continues to be an active member of the BF, holding positions on numerous committees, including medical, sustainability, safety, rules and honours. She is also the current BF Chief Medical Officer.
“On behalf of the FIE and the entire global fencing community, I wish to congratulate Clare on this prestigious and well-deserved recognition,” said FIE President-Interim Abdelmoneim ElHusseiny.
“Her years of service to the sport of fencing – and especially our athletes and their welfare – had a profound impact not only in Britain but around the globe. After a lifetime of dedication to the service of others, the OBE is a tremendous honour that Clare richly deserves.”
Find out more about Halsted’s remarkable career on the BF website.