Prior to Friday the last time the United States won a medal in the men’s team foil competition was 1932. Thanks to Gerek Meinhardt, Alexander Massialas, Miles Chamley-Watson and Race Imboden, that dry spell came to an end in Rio.
After falling to Russia in the semifinal round the Americans rebounded in the bronze medal match, beating Italy 45-31 to earn the nation’s first medal in that event in 74 years. After victories by Daniele Garozzo and Giorgia Avola gave Italy a 20-17 lead through four bouts, Meinhardt shifted the momentum of the bronze medal match by posting a dominant 8-0 win over Andrea Baldina.