Paris 2024: Fervent Amita foiled by American rival

By Patrick Johnston

Fencer Amita Berthier fought brilliantly before suffering a heart-breaking loss to high-flying American Lauren Scruggs in the women’s Olympic foil last 32 on Sunday 28 July.

The three-times SEA Games champion had shown great poise and skill to rally from an early 2-6 deficit to lead 12-9 in the second period. But, with the 15-point winning mark in sight, Amita just couldn’t quite close out victory.

Amita Berthier (left) stretches high to land a blow on her American opponent Lauren Scruggs in the opening round of the women's individual foil competition at the 2024 Paris Games.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee

Scruggs, the world number 11, pressed aggressively, just edging her opponent in the tight exchanges, which frequently went to video review, as she reeled off six of the last seven points to move through to the next round at the Grand Palais.

“Performance-wise I did pretty well, I stuck to the plan my coach and I did, it was just unfortunate I missed a couple of touches just when I could have won the match,’ Amita told reporters. 

“I wanted to go all the way today. I could have beaten anybody in my path, I was feeling good, it just didn't turn out well for me.” 

For Amita, bronze medalist at the 2018 Asian Games, the defeat against a familiar foe whom she has competed against previously in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships, was tough to take.

Amita Berthier pumps her fist in delight after scoring a point against Lauren Scruggs in the opening round of the women's individual foil competition at the 2024 Paris Games.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee

Although ranked lower at world number 35, Amita, the first Singaporean to win the NCAA team championship in fencing, showed she was more than up to the challenge on the greatest stage.

“My preparation leading up to the Olympics was the best prep I ever had,” said the University of Notre Dame graduate. “Felt confident. During training camps, I was fencing really well. I fenced well today, I just missed in crucial times… there were a couple of calls that could have gone to her, gone to me.

“Lauren is a good opponent, we know each other pretty well….I have to give it to her, she came back and she won. Just disappointed as I know I can definitely beat her.”

Amita has been a torchbearer for the sport at home, becoming the first Singaporean fencer to qualify on merit for the Olympics. That experience in Tokyo three years ago was shorn of any family being able to attend because of COVID-19 and also short lived as she met eventual gold medallist Lee Kiefer, of the U.S., in the first round. 

Amita Berthier (left) lunges towards her American opponent Lauren Scruggs in the opening round of the women's individual foil competition at the 2024 Paris Games.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee

Therefore, competing in France was especially poignant for Amita with her French grandparents travelling from Lyon to watch her perform along with other family members.

“It was nice to have people in the venue, it felt alive again compared to Tokyo,” said the 23-year-old, who, in 2017, became the first Singaporean foil fencer to win a Junior World Cup event.

“I wanted to give them a good show. I wanted to fence as many bouts as I could but I know regardless of my result they will be super proud of me. I’m grateful they are all here.”

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games takes place in Paris, France from 26 July to 11 August 2024. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.