Current:Home > reviewsUSA finishes 1-2 in fencing: Lee Kiefer, Lauren Scruggs make history in foil -WealthRoots Academy
USA finishes 1-2 in fencing: Lee Kiefer, Lauren Scruggs make history in foil
View
Date:2025-04-23 12:19:18
PARIS − A pair of American women fencers on Sunday night won a pair of coveted Olympic medals – one gold and one silver.
Lee Kiefer beat teammate Lauren Scruggs at the Paris Games in the final bout of the women’s individual foil competition that showcased U.S. talent.
Arguably, some of the best fencing talent the United States has ever produced.
It was on display not only in the golden medal bout – which Kiefer won 15-6 – but during the daylong competition that ended with an All-American final.
Kiefer stands only 5-4 and 110 pounds. But she is a powerhouse.
2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.
She won gold in the foil at the Tokyo Games in 2021, and here she defended that Olympic title while becoming only the second U.S. fencer to win two Olympic gold medals in individual competition. She is married to Gerek Meinhardt, a five-time U.S. Olympic fencer who is competing here and was on hand to celebrate.
Inside the cavernous Grand Palais Sunday night, however, the moment went beyond the 30-year-old Kiefer.
It marked the first All-American final in the individual foil in Olympic history, and for that U.S. fencing also must thank Scruggs, the 21-year-old Harvard student from Queens, N.Y.
A first-time Olympian, Scruggs was not expected to contend for gold. But when the competition began Sunday, Scruggs dispatched one opponent after another − four in total.
Until she reached Kiefer.
No one could get past Kiefer.
Nonetheless, Scruggs won a silver medal in a bout that shined a light on two unique paths.
Kiefer grew up in Kentucky and developed world-class skills in a state a little better known for basketball than fencing. She is a four-time Olympian who has a decision to make: keep fencing, or return to medical school after an extended break to chase these Olympic dreams?
If Kiefer retires, Scruggs might be the star in waiting.
She trained at the Peter Westbrook Foundation, famous for introducing the sport to children of color in New York.
Scruggs, who is Black, distinguished herself internationally on the youth circuit. She was good enough to make the team at Harvard in 2021. Good enough to win an NCAA championship in foil last year. And ended in an All-American embrace, with Kiefer and Scruggs hugging after the historic bout.
veryGood! (768)
Related
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Step Inside RuPaul's Luxurious Beverly Hills Mansion
- Check Out the 16-Mile Final TJ Lavin Has Created for The Challenge: World Championship Finalists
- Analysis: India Takes Unique Path to Lower Carbon Emissions
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- The FDA proposes new targets to limit lead in baby food
- Jimmie Allen's Estranged Wife Alexis Shares Sex of Baby No. 3
- This winter's U.S. COVID surge is fading fast, likely thanks to a 'wall' of immunity
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Demi Moore and Emma Heming Willis Fiercely Defend Tallulah Willis From Body-Shamers
Ranking
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- State Clean Energy Mandates Have Little Effect on Electricity Rates So Far
- Starbucks to pay $25 million to former manager Shannon Phillips allegedly fired because of race
- On 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Kamala Harris urges federal abortion protections
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Christina Hall Recalls Crying Over Unnecessary Custody Battle With Ex Ant Anstead
- Today's Hoda Kotb Says Daughter Hope Has a Longer Road Ahead After Health Scare
- Sam Asghari Speaks Out Against “Disgusting” Behavior Toward Wife Britney Spears
Recommendation
San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
Ryan Dorsey Shares How Son Josey Honored Late Naya Rivera on Mother's Day
Pennsylvania Battery Plant Cashes In on $3 Billion Micro-Hybrid Vehicle Market
6 doctors swallowed Lego heads for science. Here's what came out
Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
Trump indictment timeline: What's next for the federal documents case?
Gigi Hadid Shares What Makes Her Proud of Daughter Khai
Tipflation may be causing tipping backlash as more digital prompts ask for tips