Team USA’s fencing team achieved a significant milestone on Thursday, defeating Italy 45-39 in nine relay rounds to secure the gold medal in team foil. This victory marks the first time the United States has won gold in a team fencing event.
The U.S. team, featuring Lee Kiefer and Lauren Scruggs—who both won medals in individual foil last weekend—was complemented by Jacqueline Dubrovich and substitute Maia Mei Weintraub. With this triumph, Kiefer, now a three-time gold medalist, has become the most decorated foil fencer in U.S. history.
Kiefer and Scruggs established an early advantage against the top-ranked Italian team. Weintraub, who stepped in for Dubrovich during the third relay, made key contributions to the team’s success, winning rounds against Arianna Errigo (6-4) and Italian substitute Francesca Palumbo (5-1), which were essential for Team USA’s scoring.
Although the U.S. team led by as many as 10 points, the match became closely contested towards the end. Errigo scored several points against Scruggs, the final anchor for Team USA. Nonetheless, Scruggs managed to maintain the lead, reaching 45 points and securing the gold medal.
Italy’s Alice Volpi, a European champion who played a pivotal role in Italy’s bronze medal win in Tokyo, won all three of her rounds but was unable to turn the tide in favor of her team against the United States.
Japan secured the bronze medal in the event after defeating Canada in the third-place match, while Italy took home the silver after their defeat to Team USA.
