The art of fencing started centuries ago as a way to learn how to use swords in combat. Men’s fencing was first included in the Olympics in 1896 and was the only sport in which fencing teachers could compete. Women’s fencing was first included years later in 1924.
Today, the Fédération Internationale d’Escrime (FIE), which was formed in Paris in 1913, governs fencing. Over 150 member nations are affiliated with the organization. Italy, France, and Hungary are the nations that have historically dominated in fencing at the Olympics. Today, both men and women compete in the foil, the épée, and the saber in team and individual Olympic events.
Some upsets in Paris 2024
Despite Italy’s dominance, France outdid it in Paris 2024 with a total of seven medals. Italy and Japan both won five medals and the United States won four. There was the first-ever all-American final between Lee Kiefer and Lauren Scruggs. They also led the U.S. to the first-ever team fencing gold. The defeat of the silver medalists in Italy was a big upset because the Italian team included fencers ranked in some of the world’s top spots. American Nick Itkin won a bronze medal. Americans can bet on Olympic sports such as fencing now that online sports betting is legal in many U.S. states.
Italy
Italy is one of the countries that claims fencing originated there. Italian Edoardo Mangiarotti holds the most Olympic fencing medals at 13, six of which are gold medals. Compatriot, Nedo Nadi, also has six gold medals. Valentina Vezzali has nine medals altogether and six golds. Giovanna Trillini has eight medals and four golds. Italy has 49 gold medals, 46 silver medals, and 35 bronze medals altogether, making up an impressive total of 130 medals.
Fencing may not be one of the most popular Olympics games, but the Paris Olympics was full of upsets and moments that will go down in history. The rivalry between Italy and France was as strong as ever. The Italians were eager to win on French territory and managed to win gold in the women’s team epee against France. Alberta Santuccio was responsible for the winning moment for Italy in overtime
France
France is another country that claims the origins of fencing. Frenchman Christian d’Oriola holds four gold medals and two bronze medals. Lucian Gaudin also has four gold medals and two bronze medals. France has a total of 123 Olympic fencing medals, including 44 gold, 43 silver, and 36 bronze medals.
Each day, the French fans loudly supported their favorites at the Grand Palais. Manon Apithy-Brunet managed to win gold against compatriot Sara Balzer. Balzer was the 2023 world fencing champion. Apithy-Brunet is the first French fencer to win an Olympic title in women’s saber. Her gold medal was the only one for France.
Hungary
Hungary is another country with a history of winning at the Olympics. Hungarian Aladár Gerevich has 10 medals, seven of which are gold. Compatriots Pál Kovács and Rudolf Kárpáti have six gold medals apiece and Kovács has one bronze medal.
Olympic fencers always eat healthy and prepare both mentally and physically for optimal performance at the Olympics. In Paris, Aron Szilagyi faced an upset in men’s individual saber. The three-time Olympic champion was ousted from the men’s saber Round of 32. However, Hungary won against Japan to claim team epee gold.
Asian nations perform well in Paris
At the Paris Olympics, Asian fencers had some memorable performances. South Korea beat the Hungarians to win the men’s team saber. Oh Sang-uk won individual gold in men’s saber which was a first for Korean fencing. Japan became the first non-European champion in men’s team foil. Cheung Ka Long defended his gold medal in men’s individual foil. Vivian Kong was the first woman to win a fencing medal for Hong Kong. It is obvious that Asian nations are producing some fine fencers.