This past weekend, a group of dedicated athletes from Space City Fencing made the trip to Pflugerville, just outside of Austin, to attend a special training camp at the newly opened Altius Fencing Academy.
The excitement was high, not just because of the new facility, but because of the world-class coaching experience awaiting them.
Hosted by Altius owner and longtime friend of Space City, Ben Parkins, the camp featured one of the most accomplished duos in modern fencing: Olympic champions Lee Kiefer and Gerek Meinhardt.
Lee Kiefer, currently ranked World No. 1 in women’s foil by the FIE, brought unmatched experience and insight to the strip. A four-time Olympian, she has cemented her legacy with three Olympic gold medals, including individual titles at both the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paris 2024 Olympics, as well as a team gold in Paris.
Gerek Meinhardt, one of the most consistent performers in U.S. fencing history shared his expertise from five Olympic appearances. His achievements include two Olympic bronze medals, earned at the Rio 2016 Olympics and Tokyo 2020 (team event).
For Space City fencers, this camp was more than just training, it was an opportunity to learn directly from the best in the world. From technical drills to tactical insights, every moment on the strip offered valuable lessons that will undoubtedly shape their development moving forward.
Experiences like these are what elevate athletes, not just in skill, but in inspiration. Training alongside Olympians reinforces what’s possible with dedication, discipline, and passion for the sport.
Space City Fencing extends its gratitude to Altius Fencing Academy and Coach Ben Parkins for hosting such an incredible event. Opportunities like this strengthen the fencing community and create lasting memories for everyone involved.
