Overview

Swordplay has been practised for thousands of years, and modern day fencing began as a form of military training. It did not become a sport until around the 15th century.

Men’s fencing has been contested at every edition of the Olympic Games since the inaugural Games in 1896. Women’s fencing appeared shortly afterwards, in 1924. Today, men and women compete in team and individual events using the foil, épée and sabre.

Individual competition has a direct-elimination format, whilst in the team events, teams of three duel each member of the opposing team. Duels are held on a 14 by 1.5-metre “piste”, or playing area. Through wires and special clothing, fencers are connected to an electronic scoring system that indicates if a hit has occurred.