Lauren Scruggs

Lauren Scruggs achieved historic success at the 2024 Paris Olympics when she became the first African American woman to win an individual Olympic fencing medal. Lauren Scruggs was born on January 27, 2003 in Queens New York after her brother showed her the sport of fencing through his interest in "Star Wars". Scruggs is currently a senior at Harvard University where she fences for the Crimson team.

Scruggs secured a silver medal at the Paris Olympics through women's individual foil competition after defeating multiple top-ranked opponents before losing 15–6 to her U.S. teammate Lee Kiefer in the final match. The U.S. women's team foil event won its first-ever Olympic gold medal through Scruggs' contributions to the team.

Scruggs won two Junior World Championships and achieved an NCAA championship during her 2023 season. She has achieved All-American status in all three years of her college fencing career. The Peter Westbrook Foundation benefits from Scruggs' mentorship through its New York City program which teaches fencing to underprivileged youth.

The public knows Scruggs as a lesbian woman who maintains a relationship with her Harvard classmate. Through her achievements she aims to boost fencing diversity while motivating Black girls to take up the sport.