Gerek Meinhardt

1.1. Birth and Family

Gerek Lin Meinhardt was born on July 27, 1990, in San Francisco, California, U.S. He is one of two children born to Kurt and Jane Meinhardt. His mother is of Taiwanese heritage.

1.2. Education

Meinhardt attended Lick-Wilmerding High School in San Francisco for two years, then completed his high school education through a homeschooling program. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Notre Dame on a full fencing scholarship, where he majored in business and finance and was a member of the fencing team from 2009 to 2014. Before entering medical school at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 2020, Meinhardt was employed by Deloitte Advisory.

1.3. Personal Life

Meinhardt is married to fellow American fencer Lee Kiefer. They married in September 2019. He began his medical studies at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 2020.

2.1. Introduction to Fencing and Early Achievements

Meinhardt was introduced to fencing at age 9 through a program led by Olympic fencer Greg Massialas. He began participating in national fencing competitions just one year later, quickly advancing to the junior national team. In 2007, at the age of 16, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the youngest men's national foil champion in the history of the U.S. Fencing National Championships.

2.2. Collegiate Career

From 2009 to 2014, Meinhardt was a prominent member of the University of Notre Dame's fencing team, competing on a full scholarship. During his collegiate career, he secured two individual NCAA championships. Notably, in 2014, he was part of a rare trio of Notre Dame athletes-alongside fencer Lee Kiefer and swimmer Emma Reaney-who each earned individual national champion titles in a single year.

2.3. Olympic Games

Gerek Meinhardt has participated in five Summer Olympic Games, securing two team bronze medals in the men's foil event.

He made his Olympic debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games as a member of the United States fencing team. Ranked 16th in the world at the time, he was notably the youngest fencer in Beijing and remains the youngest U.S. Olympic fencer of all time. At the 2012 London Olympic Games, after winning the 2012 U.S. National Championships, he was selected as an alternate fencer for the U.S. men's foil team.

Meinhardt competed at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, where he earned his first Olympic medal, a bronze in the men's team foil competition. He again qualified for the United States fencing team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, securing his second consecutive bronze medal in the team event. Meinhardt also participated in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

His Olympic medal record is detailed below:

2.4. World Championships

Meinhardt has achieved considerable success at the World Fencing Championships, including a gold medal in the team event and multiple individual and team medals.

His World Championship medal record is detailed below:

2.5. Pan American Games and Championships

Meinhardt has consistently excelled in Pan American competitions, securing numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals across both the Pan American Games and Pan American Fencing Championships.

His Pan American Games medal record is detailed below:

His Pan American Fencing Championships medal record is detailed below:

2.6. Other International Competitions

Meinhardt has also earned numerous medals in other significant international fencing events, including the FIE Grand Prix and World Cup series.

His Grand Prix medal record is detailed below:

His World Cup medal record is detailed below:

3.1. FIE Hall of Fame Induction

Meinhardt is a distinguished member of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes his exceptional contributions and achievements in the sport of fencing on a global scale.

3.2. Recognition and Impact

As a five-time Olympian with multiple Olympic, World, and Pan American medals, Meinhardt is widely regarded as one of the most prominent American fencers of his generation. His consistent performance at the highest levels of competition and his long career have significantly impacted the visibility and development of fencing in the United States. His collegiate successes also highlight the importance of university programs in nurturing top-tier athletic talent. His achievements stand as a testament to dedication and perseverance in a globally competitive sport.