American Lauren Scruggs made history at the Paris Olympics by winning the silver medal in women’s foil fencing, becoming the first Black American woman and the first Black out lesbian to win an individual fencing medal. Training under Peter Westbrook, the first Black man from the US to win an Olympic fencing medal, Scruggs hopes to inspire diversity in the sport. She described her experience as “surreal” and emphasized the mental stimulation and combat aspect of fencing that she loves.
Despite facing pushback related to her race, Scruggs persevered and proved her place in the sport. She also discussed the additional isolation she felt due to her sexual orientation, but found support from close friends. Scruggs, a rising senior at Harvard University studying philosophy, met her girlfriend Chelsea during her freshman year. She usually attends LGBTQ Pride events, but missed them this year due to fencing tournaments.
Scruggs is the second LGBTQ person to medal in a women’s fencing event, following French fencer Astrid Guyart in Tokyo. Cyd Zeigler of Outsports highlighted the significance of LGBTQ representation in sports, noting the accomplishment of Scruggs and judoka Amandine Buchard. At least 193 out LGBTQ athletes competed in the 2024 Summer Games, breaking the record set by the Tokyo Olympics.
Scruggs hopes her success encourages others to see fencing as a sport for everyone, regardless of background or identity. She aims to continue advocating for diversity and inclusion in fencing and beyond.
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