Penn Stater Aksamit Wins Bronze in Rio

Monica Aksamit made it two medals in consecutive days for Penn State, as she captured bronze with the United States team in the women’s team saber competition on Saturday in Rio thanks to a 45-30 win over Italy.

Aksamit joins fellow fencing alum Miles Chamley-Watson, who won bronze in the men’s team foil on Friday, as Nittany Lions who have reached the podium during these Olympic Games. The three-time All-American (2009, 2011-12) was pressed into action after initially being an alternate, giving Penn State 12 active Olympians — the most in the Big Ten and sixth among all colleges represented on Team USA. In total, a record 25 former Nittany Lions are on U.S. rosters in Rio. Aksamit finished her outstanding Penn State career with two team National Championships and a degree in biology.

She tallied five points in her lone bout Saturday against the Italians before Russia took home gold with a 45-30 victory over Ukraine. Aksamit’s saber teammates included Mariel Zagunis, Dagmara Wozniak, and Ibtihaj Muhammad — the first American to wear a hijab during Olympic competition. The New York City-born, Matawan, N.J., native is the first female Penn State fencer to win an Olympic medal for the U.S. and the 31st overall Nittany Lion to accomplish the feat.

Another #PSURio athlete medals! Congratulations @monicaaksamit and @USAFencing on winning #bronze (img: @TeamUSA) pic.twitter.com/7P2sOCFpW9

— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) August 13, 2016