On February 8, 2017, Lily Fisher-Flaherty was recognized in the House of Delegates for her achievement as the 2016 Maryland State Jousting Champion. Fisher-Flaherty, a Calvert County resident and student at the College of Southern Maryland, is the first female to win the state title since 1960. Lily Fisher-Flaherty was recognized in both the House of Delegates and the Senate. Additionally, Maryland Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford present her with a Governor’s citation for her achievement.
Fisher-Flaherty’s family accompanied her on the visit to Annapolis. “Having won many tournaments, regular, State and Nationals, since she began jousting at just 8 years old, today at 19 years old she is, most likely, the youngest, Maryland State Jousting Championship Champion”, according to Patrick Flaherty.
Jousting has been the official state sport of Maryland since 1962 when Delegate Henry Fowler, Sr., from St. Mary’s County, proposed the legislation. The Maryland State Championship Joust occurred Saturday of October 15, 2016 in Brunswick, MD. Jousting involves skill and horsemanship. Participants ride through a course while attempting spear rings which are then presented to the judges.