BEIJING, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Mariel Zagunis led an American medal sweep Saturday by winning her second straight Olympic gold in women's sabre.
It was the first sweep of an Olympic fencing competition for the United States and provided the first American medals of the Beijing Olympics.
Zagunis defeated teammate and 2004 bronze medal winner Sada Jacobson in the final match 15-8. Becca Ward won the bronze medal match over Russian Sofiya Velikaya 15-14.
Although a sweep in fencing was common early in the history of the Olympics, when the French and Italians dominated the sport, it has become rare in recent decades. The last sweep came in 1988, when three Germans won the medals in women's sabre.
The only medal sweeps in Athens four years ago came in track and field, where there were four. Two of those were produced by the United States in the men's 200- and 400-meter events.
In addition to winning the gold medal in this event in 2004, Zagunis has been a part of two sabre team titles at the world championships.
