In a momentous event for USA Fencing, Queens’ own Lauren Scruggs earned a silver medal in the all-American foil fencing final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Scruggs faced off against fellow American Lee Kiefer, who triumphed with a 15-6 victory at the Grand Palais, securing her second consecutive Olympic gold following her win at the Tokyo 2021 Games.
Scruggs, a 21-year-old Ozone Park resident and Harvard University student reached the final in what has been hailed as a Cinderella run.
Her journey to the silver medal included defeating four international competitors, culminating in the showdown with Kiefer. This marks Scruggs’ first Olympic medal, adding to her impressive resume, including an NCAA fencing championship.
This final was historic as it was the first all-American fencing final in 16 years, highlighting the dominance of American fencers on the world stage.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards celebrated Scruggs’ remarkable achievement on social media.
“Before Lauren Scruggs was an Olympic silver medalist or a Harvard sensation, she was a kid from Ozone Park with big dreams,” Richards posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Lauren, you made those dreams come true today. We can’t wait to honor you when you come home to Queens!”
Scruggs’ success not only brings pride to her local community but also cements her status as a rising star in the world of fencing.
