Queens native and Harvard University fencer Lauren Scruggs wrote her name in the history books after she became the first Black fencer to win an Olympic medal in an individual women’s event for the United States, NBC Boston reported.
“Just ecstatic. I thought I was gonna lose my first bout so to get all the way to the finals is just insane. I keep thinking it’s like a dream, when I was getting ready, I was like this is unreal, I can’t believe it’s happening right now,” Scruggs said. “All of the Harvard fencing team, my coach Daria [Schneider] is here, so you know I can hear her voice in the stands, but everyone back home in Boston, at Harvard you know, they’re sending me good luck and support, so thank you everyone.”
Scruggs’ silver medal feat was lauded by Harvard Fencing and Athletics in a post on X on Sunday. “An Incredible Olympic Debut,” Harvard Fencing wrote. “Lauren Scruggs becomes the second fencer in women’s program history to medal at the Olympic Games!”
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Prior to reaching the final bout, Scruggs initially had to edge over Singapore’s Amita Berthier in the round of 32. She then fought against Jessica Zi Jia Guo, who is Canadian, before facing off against World Number 1 Arianna Errigo in the quarter-finals.
Scruggs in the semifinal bout then edged over Eleanor Harvey before she lost the showdown against her compatriot Lee Kiefer. “I’m definitely more happy than disappointed,” Scruggs said. “I think that it was shocking for me to be here in the first place, so I don’t even think I’ve had time to process losing, if I’m being honest. Just shocking and just super grateful.”
