Lauren Scruggs Makes History at 2024 Paris Olympics with Groundbreaking Medals
Lauren Scruggs, a 21-year-old fencer from Queens, New York, has made headlines after her stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Scruggs became the first Black American woman to earn an individual medal in fencing, claiming a silver in women’s foil. Her remarkable run included facing Italy’s Arianna Errigo, the top-ranked fencer in the world, in the finals.
Beyond her individual success, Scruggs also played a critical role in securing gold for the U.S. women’s foil team, marking a historic first for the United States. Alongside teammates Lee Kiefer, Jacqueline Dubrovich, and Maia Weintraub, Scruggs helped lead the team to victory, culminating in a 45-39 win over Italy in the final match.
Reflecting on her journey, Scruggs shared that her introduction to fencing came through her older brother’s interest in “Star Wars,” which led their mother to enroll them in a local fencing class. Despite fencing’s niche status, Scruggs expressed hope that her achievements will inspire more people, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to take up the sport.
Looking ahead, Scruggs is eager to see more opportunities for youth to access fencing programs and hopes for more local clubs to emerge as the sport continues to grow in the U.S.
