A Guide to Olympic Fencing: History, Key Moments from 2024 Paris Games

With Hong Kong fencers Vivian Kong and Edgar Cheung Ka-long winning gold medals at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics, there has been a surge of interest in the tactical Olympic sport. Fencing, often referred to as a physical chess Game, is a sport that combines grace, strategy, and agility. As one of the first five Sports that have been a permanent fixture since the first Olympic Games, this elite sport has become an audience favourite. Not sure on the rules of fencing? Don’t worry – Prestige has you covered.

Fencing 101: History, Rules and Notable Moments in the Paris 2024 Olympics

A Brief History

While sword fighting can be traced back to Ancient Egypt around 1990 BC, with duels continuing into the 18^th Century, it was originally a form of military training that began to evolve into a sport in the 14th – 15^th century. The first guilds – most notably the Marxbrueder of Frankfurt, was founded in 1478 by German fencing masters. The sport’s popularity continuously grew in the 17^th – 18^th century, particularly with the introduction of the foil – a weapon with a flattened tip- and a set of rules defining the target area, along with the use of a wire-mesh mask for safety.

Through all the popularity the sport was receiving, London hosted the first formal fencing competition at the inaugural Grand Military Tournament and Assault at Arms in 1880, where official regulations were established by the Amateur Gymnastic and Fencing Association (now British Gymnastics) in 1896 – the same year fencing was featured at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens.

In addition to the foil, other weapons – the sabre and épée were eventually introduced alongside protective gear and an electronic scoring system.

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Olympic Fencing Rules & Scoring

In Olympic fencing, three blades are used: foil, épée, and sabre, each with distinct rules and techniques.

The foil is the lightest weapon, that can weigh up to 500 grams, and targets the torso. Only the tip scores, using the right of way system where the first attacker can score if they land a valid hit. The torso is covered with a lamé (pronounced “la-may”), which is an electrically conductive jacket used to mark the scoring area and register contact.

The épée is heavier, up to 770 grams, and targets the entire body, unlike foil, there is no right of way; both scores can score simultaneously. The use of the épée is a much more straightforward discipline with the whole body as a target and no off-target penalties.

The third choice of weapon is the sabre, which is also 500 grams and serves as a cutting and thrusting weapon. The entire upper body, including the head, is the target area. Sabre comPetitions are usually faster paced with both the edge and tip of the blade capable of scoring. The comPetitor that is the first to 15 touches wins.

Fencing matches are conducted in three rounds, with each round lasting three minutes or until a fencer scores a pre-determined number of points. Due to the fast-paced nature of the Game, fencers must adhere to the rules of engagement, which include maintaining proper distance and following the right-of way rules in foil and sabre events.

Paris 2024 Notable Olympic Fencing Moments

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, fencing witnessed several notable moments that highlighted the sport’s comPetitive spirit.

After a gruesome, thrilling duel, Lee Kiefer made history by becoming the first American fencer to win gold medals in women’s foil fencing at two consecutive Olympic Games.

In the competition for men’s individual foil gold, Hong Kong’s Cheung Ka Long defended his title by narrowly defeating Italy’s Filippo Macchi.

France’s Manon Apithy-Brunet triumphed in the women’s sabre individual event, delighting the home crowd with her gold medal performance.

Kano Koki of Japan captured the gold in men’s épee, a tough loss for France’s Yannick Borel in his home crowd.

Additionally a special mention to Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez, who competed while pregnant, demonstrating remarkable dedication and strength.

(Hero and Featured Image Credit: Instagram @fencing_fie| Augusto Bizzi and Eva Pavia)

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