Queens native Lauren Scruggs helped the U.S. women’s fencing team capture a gold medal, marking the first time an American team—men or women—has achieved this feat in the sport, with a 45-39 win over Italy.
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The victory added to an already impressive Olympic run for the 21-year-old Harvard student, who made history individually by becoming the first Black athlete to medal for the United States in an individual fencing event, taking home silver in women’s foil fencing.
Scruggs’ gold with Team USA also made her the first gold medalist in the Harvard fencing program’s history.
Thursday’s triumph served as redemption for the Americans after losing to Italy in the bronze medal match at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
Scruggs and teammate Lee Kiefer, who defeated Scruggs for the gold in the individual foil earlier in the Games, put the United States ahead early, 10-5, against the talented Italian squad.
Scruggs later finished off Italy after they made a late push, securing the final three points to clinch the gold medal victory for the Americans.
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“I just didn’t want to be that person who loses after a big lead,” Scruggs said, according to the Associated Press. “I was like, ‘Oh, man, I can’t lose for my own pride.’ It’s kind of what pushed me forward and made me snap out of it.”
In a moment of triumph, Scruggs flipped off her mask and raised her arms in celebration. The Olympian later ran up to one of the cameras and chanted, “U-S-A, Let’s go!” A Team USA staffer then began handing out American flags to the athletes as they continued to celebrate.
The Summer Games in Paris were Scruggs’ first, but the 21-year-old already had an impressive collegiate résumé, including a First Team All-American selection her sophomore year and First Team All-Ivy League honors in her first season.
Earlier in the week, Scruggs credited growing up in the “cutthroat” New York environment for helping her reach where she is today.
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