American Mariel Zagunis celebrates her Olympic victory against compatriot Sada Jacobson during the women's individual sabre final match Saturday. (Adrian Dennis/Getty Images) Mariel Zagunis led an American sweep of the women's sabre fencing event on Saturday, winning the first gold medal for the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Zagunis beat Sada Jacobson in the gold medal match, while Becca Ward took bronze.
Zagunis met Ward in the semifinals, where Ward left the competition area in tears after losing 15-11.
"That was probably the hardest bout I've ever fenced in my career," Zagunis said after the match.
Zagunis was the defending gold medallist in the event, which featured three Canadians.
Julie Cloutier of Repentigny, Que., did not advance beyond the opening round, losing to German Alexandra Buidoso 15-2.
Sandra Sassine of Montreal beat South African Elvira Wood 15-2 in the round of 64, but lost 15-10 to Zagunis in the round of 32.
"I went out and executed my plan with no fear, I did my game and gave 100 per cent," Sassine said.
"I felt quite confident with the plan I had, my opponent was very good and smart to change the strategy at the right time, but I'm proud of what I did. It's been amazing to be out there knowing that my family and my friends are supporting me."
Olga Ovtchinnikova of Toronto beat Korea's Lee Shimni 15-13 in the round of 32, but lost to Tunisia's Azza Besbes 15-12 in the round of 16.
The U.S. is also favoured to win the women's sabre team event.
With files from the Associated Press
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