Upcoming Event: Fencing at Elite Invitational on November 14, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
/
8:30 a.m.
Fencing
at Elite Invitational
8/13/2016 5:54:00 PM | Fencing
RIO DE JANEIRO – Former Duke fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad became the first Blue Devil to medal at the 2016 Olympic Games, claiming bronze with Team USA in the women's team sabre competition Saturday at the Carioca Arena 3 in Rio.
Muhammad and teammates Monica Aksamit, Dagmara Wozniak and Mariel Zagunis defeated Italy 45-30 in the third-place match to earn the first women's medal in fencing by Americans in Rio. Muhammad outscored her Italian opponents 10-8 in the match to help the U.S. win all nine rounds.
Earlier in the day, Muhammad and Team USA topped Poland, 45-43, in the quarterfinals and nearly came back to upset Russia in the semifinals, falling 45-42. Muhammad took three of six bouts between the two matches, including a 6-5 win over Russia's Yana Egorian, who captured gold individually in Rio.
The bronze medal marked the first for Muhammad, who reached the Table of 16 earlier in the week in the women's individual sabre competition. The 2007 Duke graduate also made history in Rio as the first U.S. athlete in any sport to compete in hijab at the Olympics.
BRONZE!
— Duke Fencing (@Duke_FEN) August 13, 2016
Congratulations @IbtihajMuhammad & Team #USA! They defeat #ITA 45-30 in women's team sabre! #DukeinRio pic.twitter.com/kcSRv8vOi7
#DukeinRio
Wednesday, November 11
Wednesday, February 25
Monday, February 23
Monday, February 23
