One of the most elegant and historic sports in the Olympic Games, fencing returned for the Paris 2024 Olympics with thrilling duels, high-speed action, and tactical mastery. As one of the few sports to be featured in every modern Olympic Games since 1896, fencing continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of athleticism, tradition, and mental sharpness.
If you’re curious about what fencing looked like at the 2024 Olympics—who competed, how it was structured, and what made it so exciting—this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is Fencing?
Fencing is a competitive combat sport that simulates sword fighting. In the Olympics, it is divided into three weapon disciplines, each with its own rules, strategies, and target areas:
- Foil – A light thrusting weapon; only the torso is a valid target. Points are scored with the tip of the blade and “right-of-way” rules apply.
- Épée – A heavier thrusting weapon; the entire body is a valid target. No right-of-way; both fencers can score at the same time.
- Sabre – A light cutting and thrusting weapon; targets include everything above the waist (except the hands). Fast-paced and aggressive, also using right-of-way rules.
Each weapon offers a different tempo, style, and psychological challenge, making fencing one of the most complex and artistic sports in the Games.
Fencing at the 2024 Paris Olympics
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games, held from July 26 to August 11, hosted fencing events at the iconic Grand Palais, one of the most visually stunning venues in Olympic history. The location added elegance and grandeur to a sport already known for its aristocratic roots.
A total of 212 athletes (106 men and 106 women) competed across 12 events:
- Men’s and Women’s Individual Foil, Épée, and Sabre
- Men’s and Women’s Team Foil, Épée, and Sabre
This structure ensured gender equality and complete representation of all fencing disciplines.
The Competition Format
Each individual event began with a single-elimination bracket, starting from a round of 64 or 32, depending on the number of qualified athletes. Bouts were fenced to:
- 15 touches or
- Three rounds of 3 minutes each, whichever came first
Team events featured three fencers per team, with each member facing each opposing member in a relay format to 45 touches. The pace was fast, and strategy played a critical role in team substitutions and matchup planning.
Notable Fencers and Countries at Paris 2024
Fencing has long been dominated by countries with rich traditions in the sport. At Paris 2024, several stars stood out:
Italy
Italy continued its dominance in foil, with legendary names like Alice Volpi and Daniele Garozzo returning to defend their positions among the world’s elite. Italy also showed strength in the team events, especially in women’s foil and men’s épée.
France
As the host nation, France had strong performances across all weapons. The home crowd support elevated performances by fencers like Romain Cannone (2020 Olympic gold medalist in épée) and Sara Balzer in sabre. France also had medal aspirations in team events, especially épée.
USA
The United States brought a strong contingent, including Lee Kiefer, the Tokyo 2020 foil gold medalist, and Eli Dershwitz in sabre. The U.S. has been on a rise in the fencing world, building a powerful reputation in both individual and team events.
Hungary, South Korea, and ROC
These nations made significant impressions, particularly in sabre. South Korea’s athletes showcased their lightning-fast attacks, while Hungary remained a traditional powerhouse.
Standout Moments of the 2024 Games
Lee Kiefer Defends Her Title
One of the most emotional moments came when Lee Kiefer successfully defended her gold medal in women’s foil. With incredible focus and precision, she overcame fierce competitors from France and Italy to become the first American woman to win back-to-back golds in fencing.
France’s Home Victory in Team Épée
France’s men’s épée team brought the crowd to their feet by capturing gold in the team event. Their chemistry, strategy, and home advantage played a huge role in their victory.
Rising Stars From Unexpected Nations
Fencers from Tunisia, Egypt, and Colombia reached quarterfinals and semifinals, proving that fencing is becoming a truly global sport with emerging talent from across continents.
Where to Watch Fencing Replays and Results
If you missed the action or want to rewatch highlights from the fencing events, you can find complete coverage and match replays at the Olympics official website. The site provides video replays, schedules, and athlete profiles.
For more in-depth competition results, rankings, and upcoming fencing events, visit the International Fencing Federation (FIE).
Equipment and Technology Used in Olympic Fencing
Modern fencing combines centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge technology. At the 2024 Olympics, all weapons were electronically wired. Here’s how the setup works:
- Fencers wear lamé jackets (conductive clothing) to detect valid touches
- A body cord connects the weapon to a scoring box
- Hits are detected instantly and displayed with colored lights (green/red)
- Instant replay technology was used for challenges and close calls
The system ensures fair and accurate scoring, which is critical in a sport where touches can happen in milliseconds.
Fencing Rules You Should Know
Here are a few rules every Olympic fencing viewer should understand:
- Right-of-Way (Priority): In foil and sabre, if both fencers hit at the same time, the point goes to the one who had the initiative or attack first
- Simultaneous Hits: In épée, both fencers can score if they land valid hits within 40 milliseconds of each other
- Penalties: Yellow (warning), red (point for opponent), and black cards (disqualification) are used for rule violations
Why Fencing Is Special at the Olympics
Unlike many modern sports, fencing maintains a strong philosophical and historic background. It was once part of royal training and military education. Watching fencing today is like watching a modern duel—with just as much drama, tension, and emotion.
What makes Olympic fencing special is its combination of:
- Speed: Touches happen in fractions of a second
- Strategy: It’s like playing chess with swords
- Precision: A single mistake can cost the entire match
- Sportsmanship: Fencers must salute each other and the referee before and after every bout
Getting Involved in Fencing
Inspired by what you’ve seen? Fencing clubs are growing worldwide and cater to all ages. Many offer beginner programs, rental equipment, and training for competitive or recreational fencing.
To find a local club or learn more, you can check with your country’s national fencing federation or search for nearby fencing centers online. Fencing promotes mental focus, discipline, and physical fitness.
Final Thoughts
Fencing at the 2024 Olympics was a stunning showcase of tradition, technology, and talent. From the dazzling foil matches to the aggressive sabre duels and the thoughtful épée strategies, the sport reminded viewers why it has been part of the Olympics for more than a century.
As fencing continues to grow in diversity and popularity, it’s clear that its blend of art, combat, and intellect will keep it at the heart of the Olympic spirit for many Games to come.
