Historic Gold and Silver for Team USA in Women’s Foil at the Grand Palais
In a historic moment for U.S. fencing, the majestic Grand Palais, a 127-year-old historic site repurposed as an Olympic venue, hosted a remarkable display of athleticism and skill. Team USA achieved an unprecedented milestone by having two Olympic semifinalists in women’s foil who both advanced to the gold-medal match. Lee Kiefer claimed a historic gold while Lauren Scruggs earned the silver.
This achievement marks the first time since the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games that Team USA women have taken multiple podium spots in fencing. In 2008, the U.S. swept the podium in women’s sabre, led by Mariel Zagunis.
Kiefer’s victory adds to her impressive record, making this her second gold in individual foil. She made history three years earlier in Tokyo by winning the first Olympic individual foil gold for the U.S.
The final match concluded with a decisive 15-6 score in Kiefer’s favor. Scruggs, a first-time Olympian, scored the first point, but Kiefer gradually built her lead. With both athletes donning identical uniforms and American flag masks, Scruggs’ neon pink shoes were the only distinguishing feature.
Sparring regularly in training camps and warming up together at team events, the familiarity between Kiefer and Scruggs added a unique dynamic to the final. Kiefer expressed her comfort seeing a familiar face at the other end of the strip, saying, “Knowing that we’re going to have our anthem play took the pressure off because I knew it was going to be a celebration at the end regardless.”
Both fencers remained undefeated throughout the tournament. Scruggs, despite her surprise at each advancement, displayed remarkable talent and composure in her Olympic debut.
Team USA’s fencing achievements at the Grand Palais underscore the nation’s growing prowess in the sport, promising an exciting future for American fencers on the global stage.
