Luao Yang Wins Gold for the Second Time

As one of four teammates on the United States Junior Men's Foil team, Bloomfield Hills High School grade 12 student Luao Yang is now a two time world champion! Yang’s team defeated France 45-31 to win gold at the 2026 Junior & Cadet Fencing World Championships in Rio de Janeiro. Last year, Yang earned the title of 2025 Cadet Men’s Individual Foil World Champion in Wuxi, China, and was the first USA male team member to win the gold since 2021.

Yang started fencing at the Renaissance Fencing Club after participating in a summer camp program through Bloomfield Recreation. Yang fell in love with the sport. Yang travels often for competitions and must balance practice time and competitions with school responsibilities. Time management is a key to Yang’s success. He works hard to use his time wisely to be both a great student and a great athlete. “School has always come first, so sometimes I’ve taken time off from practice to complete my schoolwork. Otherwise, it’s been routine to do my work at the airport or in hotel lobbies,” explained Yang.

 This fall, Yang will attend Stanford University and compete on their Division 1 fencing team. Yang expressed, “I would like to thank my teachers, who have all been so understanding and supportive when I miss school. Also, my friends, with whom I’ve had so much fun over the years. I’m so lucky to have this amazing community around me who have supported me every step of the way.”