Lauren Scruggs from Team USA secures silver in fencing, creating a historic moment at the Olympics

American Lauren Scruggs made history at the Paris Olympics by winning the silver medal in women’s foil fencing. She is the first Black American woman and Black out lesbian to win an individual fencing medal. Scruggs hopes her success will encourage more diverse participation in fencing. She trained under Peter Westbrook, the first Black man from the US to win an Olympic fencing medal. Scruggs’ favorite part of the Olympics has been interacting with other athletes in the Olympic Village. She started fencing at age 6 and loves the mental stimulation of the sport. Despite facing pushback related to her race and sexual orientation, Scruggs persevered and proved herself in the sport. She is a rising senior at Harvard University studying philosophy and plans to work in finance. Scruggs is in a relationship with her girlfriend, Chelsea, whom she often shares on social media. She did not attend the LGBTQ Pride march this year due to her fencing tournament, but still celebrated winning the tournament. Scruggs is the second LGBTQ athlete to medal in a women’s fencing event and one of at least 193 out LGBTQ athletes competing in the 2024 Summer Games. Her success, along with other LGBTQ athletes, is seen as a powerful sign of progress and diversity in sports.

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