PERTH, Australia – Tinanghal si Filipino-American fencer Lee Kiefer na unang babae sa US women’s foil na naging world No. 1 matapos magwagi ng gintong medalya sa Absolute Fencing Gear FIE Grand Prix Long Beach nitong Sabado.

Nakamit ng 22-anyos na si Kiefer, ang ina na si Teresa Orpilla na taga-Davao City, ang pedestal sa bisa ng matikas na kampanya kung saan nasungkit niya ang ikaapat na sunod na Grand Prix at ikatlong sunod sa international meet.

Naugusan ng two-time Olympian sa No.1 ranking si Arianna Errigo ng Italy.

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“Besides an Olympic medal, obtaining a world number one ranking has always been my dream,” pahayag ni Kiefer sa panayam ni Australia-based Pinoy sportwriter Niel Bravo.

“I remember when the U.S. Foil Team was the youngest team with a lot of talent. It was hard to image the day that we would reach our potential and be the people to beat,” aniya.

“Lee now ranks No. 1 in the World! Congratulations for the historical results you did for yourself and Team USA!

Thanks to Lee and everyone who helped make this happen. Its a dream come true!” pahayag ni coach Amgad Abd El-Halim Khazbak sa kanyang Facebook account.