The streets are buzzing with energy, and Kiefer herself has a quiet glow.
Its beautiful, right?
Kiefer asks, offering to let me hold it.
Photo: Getty Images
Shes in the rare, halcyon hattrick club.
Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Kiefer comes from a fencing family.
Her father, Steve, was once captain of Duke Universitys fencing team.
Kiefer and Martyna Jelinska of Team Poland compete in the women’s foil individual table of 32 on day two of the Paris Games.
Kiefer is a four time Olympian, having first competed at the London Games in 2012.
Vogue: Congratulations on your wins here in Paris, Lee.
How are you feeling now, in this moment, with two new golds and your competitions complete?
Jacqueline Dubrovich, Maia Weintraub, Lauren Scruggs, and Lee Kiefer pose on the podium during the victory ceremony following the women’s foil team final.
Lee Kiefer:Im still trying to process everything.
I put a lot of pressure on myself with the dream of another medal.
Actually executing it and doing it is still surprising to me.
I didnt celebrate that one too much, though, because we still had the team event.
The team-win feeling is really one of true elation.
What do you feel clicked that day?
What gelled to get you to the gold level?
Theres just a lot of trust.
How has your experience been in Paris?
Youre staying at the Athlete Village, right?
Ive been there since the day it opened!
And its very secure… Fort Knox Hotel!
What do you have planned once the Games are finished?
At one point, you were in med schoolwill you go back?
I think I need to process everything.
Ive been away from school for a long timeits going to be scary to go back, I think.
A lot of different things.
Im a little scared, but excited.
But we are going to rest a little bit first.
Yes, deservedly so.
Take the rest of the year off.
I will take that.
What is your favorite Olympic meme so far?
I have been too busy to see any memes.
Ive been out of competition mode for, like, three hours now.
I will catch up, though.
Looking around now, what, to you, is the most magical thing about Paris?
The history of fencing in France is my favorite thing.
Being able to perform under the lights of the Grand Palais… that was pure magic.
