Meet Lauren Scruggs: The Black Fencing Woman Making History at the 2024 Paris Olympics – Essence

Lauren Scruggs’ path to greatness began at a young age. Her brother, Nolen, introduced her to fencing, and she or he was drawn to the sport a lot that she decided to stick to it. Since then, the New York native has racked up accolades, becoming a six-time world champion and a person gold medalist at the 2023 NCAA Fencing Championships. On Sunday, she became the first African-American woman to win a person Olympic medal in fencing.

“It’s amazing,” Scruggs says. “I talked to Peter Westbrook and the people at the Peter Westbrook Foundation before the event. Growing up with them and seeing them achieve great things, I’m really proud to join that tradition of just being the best black American fencer to come out of this program. It’s exciting, but I’m also very honored to be a part of history.”

Although the 21-12 months-old narrowly missed out on gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, losing to teammate Lee Kiefer 15-6, she still managed to make history. Her victory inspired many other fencers of color trying to pursue the sport. “I don’t think there’s a strong base of black fencers,” she tells ESSENCE. “That’s why I think it’s incredibly important to have someone to look up to.” For Scruggs, Nzingha Prescod became her North Star, giving her a glimpse into the possibilities fencing has to supply.

“It’s nice to step up to the plate, take on that responsibility now, and hopefully inspire more black people to get involved in fencing,” he continues. Programs like the aforementioned Peter Westbrook Foundation expose the sport to underrepresented communities and individuals who could have limited access and resources. These organizations are more vital than ever now, especially as the world watches Scruggs receive his medal at the iconic Grand Palais in France.

This fall, Scruggs will begin his senior 12 months at prestigious Harvard University. With a protracted list of accomplishments each inside and out of doors the classroom, the events of July 28, 2024, are a moment he’ll always remember.

“It’s a huge accomplishment,” Scruggs said of her historic victory. “My parents were immigrants, so to now represent the United States and win a medal for the United States, I think it’s just crazy for me and my family. I’m just grateful.”