Welcome to a special First to 15 miniseries: The Golden Touch. The Golden Touch is a First to 15 miniseries exploring the thrilling journey of Team USA as they secured their first-ever gold medal in women’s team foil at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Join us as we speak to the athletes, their coaches, and key support staff who made history in one of the most unforgettable Olympic moments for USA Fencing. In this episode, we’re talking with Lauren Scruggs, who made her Olympic debut in Paris and walked away with two medals—a silver in the individual event and gold in the team event.
Welcome to a special First to 15 miniseries: The Golden Touch.
The Golden Touch is a First to 15 miniseries exploring the thrilling journey of Team USA as they secured their first-ever gold medal in women’s team foil at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Join us as we speak to the athletes, their coaches, and key support staff who made history in one of the most unforgettable Olympic moments for USA Fencing.
Today, we’re talking with Lauren Scruggs, who made her Olympic debut in Paris and walked away with two medals—a silver in the individual event and gold in the team event.
In addition to her Olympic success, Lauren is a standout student-athlete at Harvard University, where she fences under Head Coach Daria Schneider. She’s also been part of the incredible Peter Westbrook Foundation legacy, a program that’s shaped so many of the sport’s top fencers.
Today, we’ll talk about the path to Paris, her performance on the Olympic stage, anchoring Team USA to that gold medal, and life since Aug. 1.
EPISODE 7
[INTRO]
[0:00:01] BW: Hello, and welcome to First to 15, the official podcast of USA Fencing. I'm your host, Bryan Wendell, and in this show, you're going to hear from some of the most inspiring, interesting, and insanely talented people in the sport we all love. First to 15 is for anyone in the fencing community and even for those just checking out fencing to see what it's all about. So, whether you're an Olympian or a Paralympian, a newcomer, a seasoned veteran, a fencing parent, a fan, or anyone else in this wonderful community, this podcast is for you. With that, let's get to today's episode. Enjoy.
[INTERVIEW]
[0:00:40] BW: Welcome back to The Golden Touch, our special First to 15 miniseries where we're taking you behind the scenes of Team USA's historic gold medal and women's team foil at the Paris Olympics.
Today, we have Lauren Scruggs, who made her Olympic debut in Paris in grand fashion, winning two medals, silver in the individual event and a gold in the team event. In addition to her Olympic success, Lauren is a standout student-athlete at Harvard, where she fences under coach Daria Schneider. She's also been part of the incredible Peter Westbrook Foundation legacy, which has shaped so many of our sport's top fencers.
Today, we're going to talk about Lauren's path to Paris, her performance at the Olympics, anchoring Team USA to gold, and what life has been like since August first. Hey Lauren, thanks for joining us.
[0:01:25] LS: Yes. Let's get into it.
[0:01:26] BW: So, can you explain what you saw as your role in Paris? So, let's just jump right into the fact that you were the anchor. And in talking with Ralf and Brian, they discussed that there was a lot of strategy into that and that they had thrown you into that high-pressure situation early on. How did you approach knowing that, it was all ultimately going to come down to you, whether we're talking a medal or getting into the medal rounds?
[0:01:53] LS: Yes. So, I guess I didn't really think of it like that. I just thought of it like I'm doing my part, my little like five touches that I need to do. But I guess it is a pretty stressful position to be in. But I feel like when you look at the grand scheme of things, it's really not that stressful because it's a team event.
Let's say, for example, Lee is the person who fences before me, like that puts a lot of confidence in me because obviously Lee kills it. About before, like Maya set that third battle perfectly. So, when you think of it more of just like it's a teamwork game, it's really not that stressful. But I mean, when you are the in-between like winning or losing the match. I guess it does get stressful. But for me personally, I just can't think of it like that.
I also think it's just like a fun position to be in. You're the last person to fence. When you win, it's like people will see that you won the bout. I mean, I think it's just like a fun position to be in, which is maybe why I was put in that position. I don't really feel the pressure of it, but it is kind of stressful. I think it's more fun than it is stressful.
[0:02:57] BW: Yes. It looked like you were having fun out there and you brought it home all three times, right? China, Canada, and then Italy for the gold. We'll get into that a little bit more. But also, Paris was your Olympic debut. So, you're fencing against athletes who have been to multiple Olympics. How did you, even going into Paris, before you left on that trip, how did you get mentally ready for that stage?
[0:03:23] LS: Yes. So, I guess basically what my coach kind of emphasized is that like just being at the Olympics is like a feat in itself. There's only so many athletes who ever do that in their life. So, if you just think of it like that, then you have nothing to lose. This be my first Olympics, I was just like, “Let's just see what I can do.” But at the same time, it's like your one-time shot. So, I just wanted to make the most of the moment and try to leave it all out there. Yes, that's kind of just the mentality that I had. I wasn't expecting the medal. I didn't put that pressure on myself. But I think, it overall just made the tournament just way more fun for me. The crowd was amazing. So, I really was just trying to take the moment to just enjoy the whole experience versus getting caught up in all the stress and pressures and whatnot.
[0:04:10] BW: Yes. You've been on a lot of different stressful stages, but I have to think this, both in the individual and the team event, this was the most grand moment that you've ever seen, right? Both in the crowd size and obviously, in the sheer importance of it. How does it compare to some of the other high-stakes fencing that you've done internationally at some of the bigger tournaments, and then also at the NCAA level?
[0:04:34] LS: Yes. This was definitely the most high-pressure environment I've ever been in, just from like the sheer crowd and the grandness of where we're fencing. But I feel like in terms of just like when you're actually out there fencing, it kind of felt similar to like my first Junior World Championships. I think it was kind of the same. My first Junior World Championships, I was pretty young for being there and like I had no expectations for myself. No one thought I was going to medal. But I still did.
So, I think kind of just, it was that similar feeling of like you're a little nervous, but you just wanted to enjoy the whole like grandness of the situation and whatnot.
[0:05:14] BW: You've been part of the Peter Westbrook Foundation, which obviously has an incredible legacy in U.S. fencing. We lost Peter recently, and I know that the foundation was and is important to you. So, can you just talk about representing Peter there and maybe anything that you might have heard from him before or after the Olympics? Then, if you're comfortable doing so, maybe even talk about what it was like being at his funeral where you were able to speak and honor his amazing legacy.
[0:05:42] LS: Yes. So, before I went to the Olympics, I was the only one fencing with Peter Westbrook to qualify. He kind of just emphasized that it's a super special thing to get to go to the Olympics. So just enjoy the moment. You want to be out there and be a fighter. That's kind of the sentiment that he carried. I don't think he really was expecting me to medal or anything like that, but he was obviously super proud and happy that I was going. Overall, the vibe was just like have fun. Go out there and have fun. You just being there is making us proud already.
That was like some good encouragement before I went there. And then, I guess after like I won the medal, like obviously he was ecstatic. We got to celebrate together before he passed away, so that was very special. But yes, I think his whole sentiment was just like enjoy the moment. He's been to six Olympics, so he knows what it's like to be out there. Just having that support and no pressure before I went off was super helpful, and I guess special to me. Then, I guess, at his funeral, I felt like it wasn't really – I mean, they mentioned this a lot of times, but it wasn't a funeral of like sadness. It was a celebration of his life. That's just the type of thing I would expect from Peter's funeral. He's always a very happy guy and always trying to uplift others. So, I feel like his funeral really reflected that. I really appreciate that.
[0:07:01] BW: Yes. I think it was totally appropriate for you to speak there because you're continuing this Olympic legacy that Peter and the Foundation. Am I right? Including Peter himself and Foundation fencers, there's been either Peter or a PWF fencer at every Olympics for 50 years or something, right? It's just a crazy legacy and now you're part of that. It's so great.
So, you're also balancing life as a student-athlete. Can we talk about how fencing at Harvard, at NCAA level prepared you for the Olympics, working with some great coaches like Daria Schneider and Daga, who were also there to cheer you on in Paris?
[0:07:41] LS: Yes. So, I feel like the environment that Daria has tried to replicate at Harvard is one that's like super professional. I feel like in terms of the expectations like leading up to Paris with like the senior team and like training and video review, that was kind of the same stuff I was doing at Harvard. She tries to really replicate what a D1 fencing program should look like. I think that was great preparation just for Paris and also being at school at the same time.
Then to have them in Paris, which is like, it just felt like family. I just felt more comfortable in the space that I was kind of unknown to. So, that was really nice to have like Daga, with the cadre, and then also just seeing Daria in the stands. I could hear – I don't know if it's my mom yelling or Daria but I heard them. That was just nice to like celebrate that with her because she's definitely been there these past three years, seeing me try to chase this dream. So, to be able to celebrate that with her, was just really special to me.
Then Daga, you know she's an Olympian herself so she already knows what to expect, so that was great, like having her leadership and guidance in Paris. But yes, overall, I think Daria and the team has done a really good job in like making a program where we can thrive, and I think you could really see that with the amount of Harvard fencers in Paris.
[0:08:55] BW: Oh, my gosh, yes. It was Daga on the cadre, Brian Kaneshige, coach. You, Elizabeth Tartakovsky, and then all four of the men's saber guys. I mean, it's just a ridiculous amount of Harvard fencers on the team. So, that has to say something about just the strength of the program and what Daria has created there.
So, your individual performance in Paris, a few days before the subject of this podcast, the women's foil team gold was the individual event, obviously an amazing moment. You versus Lee in the final. We had an all-American final, which we'd never seen before in women's foil. So, what was that moment like for you? And how was earning your first Olympic medal able to motivate you a few days later when it was time to step up for the team?
[0:09:44] LS: Yes, so it was a little surreal. I remember in the call room, like after my bout with Eleanor Harvey, I was just like, “What the heck?” I was on my phone, giggling, and looking at my Instagram and whatnot. I was like, “Is this real? What's going on?” So, I think just like being on that final stage was just really random. Me and Maya, we like looked back and we're like, that was like so funny. Because like we would have thought like one, like I would have medaled in two, like we would have won the team event. It was just a very funny circumstance for us.
I don't know, it just seems random that we would do such a great big thing. But yes, being on the stage with Lee was just, I mean, crazy. I watched her in Tokyo on the TV win her gold medal, and then I never would have imagined I would be on the podium or on that final strip with her. That was just really crazy. Then going into the gold medal, the team event, we wanted that. I personally wanted that gold medal because you never want to get second place. But I think it just motivated me more and instilled a lot more confidence in me, just like, I could do it and that like, this is possible.
I think before, in terms of just like medaling, I was always just a little skeptical, like, I mean, we should medal, but things happen. But after that first day, I think I was a lot more confident going into that second tournament. I think you could kind of see that in my fencing.
[0:11:08] BW: Yes. I like how you call it another tournament because it is. It's like the slate is wiped clean. For that moment, on August 1st, no one cares that you’re an Olympic medalist Lauren Scruggs. Now, you're just one of the women of Team USA who are going up against China, right? So, the round of eight, this is a make-or-break moment for deciding whether Team USA is going to get a shot at a medal. You go out there and you have exactly what you said earlier. You went out there and got your five touches and then brought it home at the end in a pretty tight match. What do you remember about that first round against China, surviving and advancing onto the semis?
[0:11:46] LS: Yes. I mean, we were all somewhat nervous. You're still pretty tight that first match. So, you can definitely feel that. I just remember using a lot of my energy. I can't say to anything like technical, I don't think the technicality was there just because it's that first match. But I just recall the amount of energy we brought as a team. I felt like that was kind of like the deciding factor in us, winning or losing. I felt like we just really wanted it more. Then in that closing bout is when I felt like my fencing is kind of starting to come together. The energy and the technique was coming together and my fencing was really – I was fencing the way I'm supposed to fence. But yes, I feel like our energy was just, it was off the charts that day, the whole day.
[0:12:28] BW: Yes. Then you kind of slammed the door at the end. And then in talking to the other women on the team, I know that at some point it occurred to each of you that it was going to be Canada, not France in the next round and obviously, Canada is a squad that you are very familiar with, including your Harvard teammate and others that you fenced against a ton of times, including in the individual event. So, how did you approach that semifinal round knowing that you've got two hungry North American teams wanting a shot in the final?
[0:13:01] LS: Yes. So, I guess what we found out, when I found out we were fencing France, I guess it was kind of disappointed because it'd be cool to like beat France in their home country. But yes, when I found out we were fencing Canada, I was pretty ecstatic because I was like, I want to prove like we're the better North American team. But also, just like all friendships and whatnot, for those like four to five touches, I just kind of threw out the door, but I also could feel that they wanted it really bad. They were fencing pretty well.
But overall, I felt pretty neutral, honestly, going into the Canada bout. I just thought of them as another Country that we weren't really close with. That's kind of how I approached it. But I also in the back of my mind, I was like we cannot lose the Canada. Purely based off pride because we kind of never want to lose to Canada. It's just like not a good look for USA. So, that was kind of the mentality. I was like, “We can't lose this bout.” But yes, that's about it. I would say.
[0:13:55] BW: Then you went again, you slammed the door and it's 45-31 and you're moving on. Before we talk about Italy, which of course it was going to be US-Italy, right? That would have been – if you were betting on this, that would have been the two that you would expect to see in the finals. But before you get to Italy, there is a long delay where the athletes enjoyed some McDonald's and some downtime. What was the vibe like while you were waiting for that final to begin and the walk down that grand staircase?
[0:14:28] LS: Yes. I mean, we were kind of just somewhat celebrating that like we had a secured a medal. Obviously, the McDonald's, for those who don't know, I always eat McDonald's before I fence. It kind of just felt like, I don’t know, it's like a fun moment eating McDonald's, being at the Olympics overall, just like snacking with everyone. That was kind of like the first chunk of the break. And then second half you could see the pressure kind of started to build up. We were all rewarming up, taking our lessons, doing what we do. But you could just tell like we really wanted it. I could tell everyone was super locked in for this next match.
So, that was kind of the energy. I felt like first half was fun, and second half was very serious. I wouldn't say we were super, super nervous, but yes, I would just overall say we're super locked in, in that period before.
[0:15:16] BW: One thing we haven't talked about is all the scouting and the preparation and the video analysis. That's something we discussed with Ralf and Brian in an earlier episode. They talked about how, I mean, you know who the pool of fencers could be that you're going to face. So, they've created these note cards about each of the different fencers and tendencies and approaches you want to take. How do you like to use that information going into, for example, you knew in your first round, which was the second leg, you'd be going against Favaretto. So, how do you prepare for a specific opponent?
[0:15:50] LS: Yes, so for me in particular, like a lot of our notes were really just like playing around. That was what I just said, I just need to play around, play the game of fencing. I'm not really like a specifics person, at least in my mind, I'm not. I don't know what Ralf's card said. For me, that's just kind of the mentality that I approach every match, just play around, be the hunter when I'm fencing. I feel like when I'm fencing well, I'm like the one creating moments and doing the thing. I'm not waiting on the other person.
So, that's kind of the general idea I have in my head. I wouldn't say I have anything specific, but from like past experiences, I know like, “Oh, Favaretto is going to do this attack, or is going to want to only go forward.” But that's about it in terms of specifics in terms of how I approach each person.
[0:16:39] BW: Yes. And these are fencers that you just innately know because you've seen them so much and faced them enough. Okay, it's 40-32, Lee has left you with that. Lee and Maya and Jackie and yourself have left you with that lead going into the last final leg against Errigo. What is your mentality there knowing that, again, your job is to get touches before she can get 13, I suppose?
[0:17:09] LS: Yes. So, I feel like being in the anchor position means you have to be like really mentally strong because there's going to be instances where like you only need five touches, but for some reason, like the other person's just like getting a ton of touches. That was kind of like the situation I was put in. Errigo is obviously super good, beat her the tournament before. So, it's obviously she was looking to get some revenge. I knew it wasn't going to be easy despite the large gap and it wasn't.
I definitely lost that match just off like points scored. But for me, it was honestly just like about staying focused to get those five touches and not letting like deficit that I was in like affect my mind. I just kind of kept working at it. I knew that like eventually I'd get the five touches or I just hoped that I would get the five touches. That was kind of just the mentality that I kept that whole bout. It was pretty frustrating. I'll say fencing here, I felt like I couldn't do the things I wanted to do or the things that I had done a few days before when I fenced her. But I knew that, one, I didn't want to be the person who lost after having such a hugely, that it's like a nightmare. Then two, I knew that if I just kept working at it and working at it, despite her scoring a bunch of touches, I'd eventually get it. So, that was kind of my strategy there.
[0:18:23] BW: Yes. Then, 43, 44, 45, as you're nearing that final touch, is your mind just racing like fast-forwarding to yourself getting that gold medal around your neck? Or how do you just stay focused when you're that close to tasting it, but it's not quite there?
[0:18:41] LS: Yes. So, that's another thing you have to just not think about like the last touch or else you'll just get caught up in and lose probably. For me, it's literally just being super zoned in whether that be like yelling at myself, my teammates yelling at me. I just have to – you just have to stay really focused. I think over the years of being anchor, it's like a skill I've developed just to ignore all the future and just focus on the present. I think it's just like an experience thing for me. But yes, it is pretty hard sometimes, especially like on the Olympic stage, when you're thinking about that medal, but you have to kind of like, double down and just focus and take it one touch at a time.
[0:19:21] BW: I love how you talk about experience and having been there before in that anchor position, because that really, again, it speaks to what Ralf was trying to do when he would put younger fencers in the in the anchor leg, because it's like, you were just super comfortable. And yes, this was for a gold medal, but also, you'd been in situations where you had a lead you needed to hold on to against a fencer of Errigo’s quality. So, obviously, that worked. Then the 45th touch comes and we've all seen the video, which is one of my favorite things to watch. You fall to your knees and just like, it's crazy and then everybody swarms you. What do you remember about those immediate moments after that final touch?
[0:20:01] LS: Yes. So, I think, like I said, I was super focused. Honestly, I got the final touch and I couldn't snap me out of like my trance that I was in. I was like, “Oh, my God, like we just won.” But it took me like a few seconds to process we had won the bout. So, I think that's why you see the delay, as it took me a few seconds to like celebrate because I was like still thinking about like the next touch. I think I still couldn't believe it. I think I low-key got a little concussed to when I was fencing Errigo. I was like a little foggy and whatnot. Even after I was celebrating and like I was on the podium, I was just like, “Wow, this is crazy, guys.” So yes, it was definitely very surreal, partially because I was a little messed up, I guess. And it was like a crazy moment in general.
[0:20:48] BW: Have you gone back and watched like the broadcast or that bout or looked at photos or anything since then?
[0:20:54] LS: A little bit, but honestly, it just makes me too nervous to watch it. I feel like it conjures up the stress that I was feeling at this moment. So, I honestly tend not to like re-watch my fencing videos, but I've definitely seen some pictures, for sure.
[0:21:07] BW: Yes, it's hard to miss the pictures. So, how about after that? I know it's been a whirlwind few months, including appearances on talk shows, interviews, and magazines, and getting a lot of great opportunities that come with your notoriety in the sport. So, what has life been like, and how are you handling this spotlight?
[0:21:30] LS: Yes. I mean, the first few months was definitely a little crazy, with all the media, but now that I'm back at school and like I've settled in, it's pretty normal, which is nice. I feel like my life's kind of gone back to normal. But when I am in the city sometimes, especially when I have like my fencing stuff, people still like recognize me, which is kind of weird.
In Boston, I've had people recognize me. I have a little bag tag that says Lauren Scruggs, Harvard Fencing. Some are guys like, “Oh, I like watched you this summer.” And I was like, “Oh, whoa, that's crazy.” I do have some one-off moments, but I would say, generally, pretty normal.
[0:22:07] BW: Do you have the metals in some type of like you know display case? Or are they just hanging out on a shelf somewhere?
[0:22:14] LS: They're at my dorm right now, but I have this – they're protected, but for now they’re not on display.
[0:22:21] BW: Yes., so big picture, this summer really kind of showcased for a lot of people that the strength of women's foil in the United States including women who you know have who have been in Olympics long before you were competing at the international stage even. So, how do you feel like this moment represents a big step forward for women's foil and also kind of the culmination of all the great fencers who have come before you?
[0:22:47] LS: Yes. I mean, I think it was just like a testament to all the hard work. We've had really successful women's foil teams who have put in the work not just like on their own stage but also in developing younger fencers. So, it seems like a culmination of all that hard work over the years. Then, I guess in terms of just like legacy and like what we can prove the younger fencers, I think for a while, I think there's always been this emphasis on the men's teams in fencing. So, I think it's nice for younger female fencers to see us having a lot of success because they too can see themselves in this position when they're older.
Overall, in terms of just like kind of a culmination of the work of the past generations and kind of like something for younger generations to look forward to, I think this medal means a lot in terms of just like bringing all of that together.
[0:23:36] BW: So, Lauren, when you were doing your media tours, you were on The Today Show and all these other things right there in Paris, I was shocked that a lot of people were asking about LA ‘28 and I was like, “Wow, she just won and you're already thinking four years from now.” Yet, I'm going to go ahead and ask you about that because that road starts pretty soon here and we know how deep the women's foil squad is. So, how are you approaching the next four years, both knowing that you want to continue fencing at a high level, but also that it is a long journey still even though four years will be here before we know it?
[0:24:10] LS: Yes. I would hope to go to LA, that'd be really cool. But at the same time, you can't really put any pressure on yourself, because it'll just mess up the whole kind of vibe of everything, like the whole qualification process. So, for me, I'm just trying to take it step by step, like get back into things, like have little goals, maybe hopefully a medal at just a regular World Cup or a Grand Prix, in the next four years. Just see where life takes me. Because with fencing, you literally never know what could happen, so just try to take it step by step, see how things are. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. But if it's not, then it's not, which is fine. But yes, I'm not trying to put any pressure myself, but I think it would be pretty cool to go to LA, but you never know.
[0:24:54] BW: So now that you are a two-time Olympic medalist, what do you see as your responsibility to younger fencers to inspire them? I mean, you did that anyway just by what you were doing on the strip and all your kind of, I would say, very thoughtful comments that you've made since then. But also, do you feel like you have an obligation to give back to the sport and continue that quest to raise up the next generation, even as your own career is still happening and unfolding.
[0:25:24] LS: I think it's just kind of the natural cycle of things. I've had people who, if they didn't really guide me when I wouldn't be where I am today. So, I think it's only natural that I give back and try to influence the younger generations in any way that I can, whether that be just like being present, for example, like at foundation, like going there every Saturdays, or just like being a good role model in terms of just how I present myself. I think I am a little more – I mean, I've always been pretty cognizant of how I'm seen. So, I just would probably continue that. But I definitely would be open to more opportunities to either like teach or speak and in whatever capacity that I can just because it is important to give back because I felt like I've been given a lot myself.
[0:26:09] BW: Yes. When we see, you do that already and I think that's great and really inspiring. Finally, related to that, what's your message for younger fencers who maybe want to make the team, perhaps even alongside you, either in LA, or maybe even looking forward to 2032 in Brisbane? What's your message for them?
[0:26:30] LS: Yes, I would say that nothing's impossible. I think literally, maybe like three years ago, I never would have imagined myself in the position I am now. I would just say like, keep at it. I think in the moment things might seem really impossible and like, “Oh, I'll never do that,” but a lot can change in a year, two years. Just keep at it and you never know what life will take you. But I think it's better to attempt to do something than to just give up just because you think you can't do it. I think you'd be surprised by the things you can do when you just kind of try for it and go for it.
[0:27:06] BW: Yes. Well said. Well, Olympic champion, Lauren Scruggs, two-time Olympic medalist, Harvard fencing team, all the things. Thanks so much for joining us and best of luck this season, both collegiately, domestically, internationally, and all the different places. We'll see you out there. Congratulations and good luck.
[0:27:23] LS: Yes. Thanks, Bryan.
[0:27:24] BW: Thanks.
[END OF INTERVIEW]
[0:27:25] BW: Thanks for listening to First to 15, the official podcast of USA Fencing. We'll be back with our next conversation in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, you can stay up to date on all the latest fencing news by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. If you liked this podcast, please help us grow and reach more people by leaving us a rating or review. Until next time, I'm Bryan Wendell, and I hope to see you real soon out on the Strip. Bye.
[END]