American Lauren Scruggs made history at the Paris Olympics by becoming the first Black American woman and the first Black lesbian to win an individual fencing medal. Scruggs, 21, from Queens, New York, took the silver in women’s foil fencing, describing the experience as surreal and hoping her win will show others that fencing is for everyone, especially those who identify similarly to her. She was trained by Peter Westbrook and loves the mental stimulation and nature of competition that fencing offers.
Despite facing pushback related to her race growing up in the sport, Scruggs has remained resilient and focused on proving herself. 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, and usually attends LGBTQ Pride events, although this year she was at a fencing tournament but still celebrated the win.
Scruggs’ win at the Olympics marks a significant milestone for LGBTQ representation in sports, with at least 193 LGBTQ athletes competing in the 2024 Summer Games. She is the second LGBTQ athlete to medal in a women’s fencing event, following French fencer Astrid Guyart in Tokyo, and the second LGBTQ athlete to win a medal at the Paris Games, after Amandine Buchard from France in judo. Scruggs’ achievement highlights the progress being made in promoting diversity and inclusivity in sports.
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