Dr Clare Halsted, Olympian, BF CMO, former coach and long serving volunteer administrator at national and international level has been awarded an OBE for services to fencing in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
Dr Clare Halsted has made an unparalleled contribution to fencing and public service in Britain over a 50+ year career; two-time Olympian (1972, 1976), Commonwealth and Veteran World Champion, coach, National and International Governing Body administrator, GP, Doctors of the World volunteer and global leader in anti-doping and athlete welfare.
Clare supported grassroots fencing for over 30 years where her local Finchley Foil Club (started by Ziemek Wojciechowski in 1992) introduced many children to the sport. Her book Minifence was used by coaches across Britain to introduce fencing nationwide.
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.
Her welfare and safety work, including collating injury reports annually, contributed to setting standards across the UK.
For over 35 years Clare has volunteered in support of British Fencing (BF), serving on the Board (2013–2020), a range of committees and as Chief Medical Officer and Anti-Doping Officer. Medical director for major international events and duty doctor at national events she also worked with the British Olympic Association as Fencing Team Leader. Her work on various BF weapon and selection committees from 1998-2020 directly supported hundreds of athletes to compete and represent Great Britain. Made Vice President in 2007, she was awarded the BF Gold Medal in 2022.
Clare was the International Fencing Federation’s (FIE) Medical Delegate at the London 2012 Olympics and from 2017-2024 headed up the FIE Anti-Doping Programme working with the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Global Association of International Sports Federations. Her leadership shaped global anti-doping policy and athlete safety.
As concerns about the environmental impact of sport on climate change increased, Clare worked with BF to establish the BF Environmental Sustainability Working Group (that she currently chairs) and joined the FIE ES Working Group.
Clare’s current roles include:
Speaking about the award Clare said, “It is a wonderful feeling to receive such an award, and I am very grateful for everything fencing has given me. 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.”
Pat Aiyenuro MBE, President of BF and member of International Fencing Federation (FIE) Executive Committee, said, “On behalf of British Fencing and our members I would like to congratulate Clare on her award. Clare’s decades of service are marked by humility, integrity, and tireless dedication. Much loved, admired and respected, she has impacted many thousands of fencers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, from grassroots clubs to Olympic arenas, from the UK to the global fencing community. Through her contributions and lifelong dedication to sport, international relations, medicine and public service, she exemplifies outstanding voluntary commitment and brought distinction to fencing, British Fencing and the UK.”
Georgina Usher MBE, CEO of BF said, “Clare has played and continues to play a critical part in many aspects of the work of British Fencing. She has contributed in multiple areas of administration and governance, from Board to club level, always looking for ways that the National Governing Body could better serve our membership community, whilst holding us to the highest ethical standards. She has been tirelessly passionate in her support of all levels of fencers, from the hundreds if not thousands of young children she inspired through coaching on a Saturday afternoon to our very best elite Olympic athletes. Behind the scenes, Clare has spent years volunteering to help the BF Executive team with the some of the most taxing (and least fun!) administrative tasks and we are so grateful for her support.”
Hilary Philbin MBE, member of European Fencing Confederation Executive Committee Member and Former President of BF said, “This award is wonderful news and so well-deserved after a lifetime of outstanding contribution to fencing in so many ways. Congratulations Clare.”
A full list of the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours can be found here.
Don’t miss the latest news. Subscribe to our weekly summary email, The Fencing Digest, featuring the previous week’s latest news and announcements. Sign up here.
