The American fencing revolution at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris continued on Thursday with the USA women’s fencing team defeating Italy in the gold-medal match 45-39.
Featuring Ozone Park native Lauren Scruggs, the Americans’ triumph is their first-ever team fencing gold — men or women — at an Olympic Games.
Scruggs had also won silver in the individual foil, losing out on gold to fellow American and teammate, Lee Kiefer. The four-woman unit also included Maia Weintraub and Jacqueline Dubrovich.
It was Scruggs who earned the gold-clinching point for the Americans, capping off yet another strong showing on the Olympic stage. With the US up 5-4 early on, Scruggs out-touched Italy’s Martina Favaretto 5-1 to provide a bit of cushion. Alice Volpi got the better of her, 6-5, but Scruggs’ ability to keep it close still ensured the Americans nursed a 30-25 lead.
After Weintrub and Lee put up five points apiece, Scruggs got the final five to deliver the historic gold to Team USA.
