At the Grand Palais, the U.S. women’s epee team made a valiant effort but ultimately fell short of a medal, finishing in seventh place. The team of Anne Cebula, Hadley Husisian, and Margherita Guzzi Vincenti, along with substitute Kat Holmes, faced stiff competition from some of the world’s top fencing nations.
The Americans opened their campaign against the third-seeded Poland, a formidable opponent. Despite a strong start that saw them leading for the majority of the match, a late surge from Poland’s Martyna Swatowska-Wenglarczyk proved decisive, handing the U.S. a narrow 31-29 defeat.
Undeterred, the team moved on to face the second-seeded Korea. In a closely contested match, the U.S. faced a daunting 13-point deficit heading into the final bout. However, Kat Holmes delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 19 points to bring her team within striking distance. Ultimately, Korea prevailed with a 45-39 victory.
The Americans found redemption in their final match against Egypt. A strong team performance secured a 44-30 win, securing seventh place overall.
While the result may not have matched the team’s aspirations, their performances showcased the talent and determination of the young American fencers. With valuable Olympic experience under their belts, they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in future competitions.
The U.S. women’s epee team’s best Olympic finish remains the bronze medal earned in 2012. As the sport continues to evolve, the team will strive to add to that legacy in the years to come.
