The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are hosting fencing, the sport that has earned France the most medals in Olympic history. From July 27 to August 4, the events will take place at the Grand Palais, an emblematic venue for an equally prestigious sport.Fencing, with its three distinct weapons - foil,epee and sabre - is one of the most eagerly awaited events for spectators. But what are the differences between the three weapons? We tell you!
Thesword is often considered the dueling weapon par excellence. It is the heaviest of all weapons, enabling fencers to hit their opponents all over the body. Unlike foil and sabre,epee is not a weapon of convention, which means that the first to hit scores the point, even in the case of simultaneous hits. Epee is a weapon of precision and strategy, requiring perfect mastery to hit vulnerable areas of the opponent's body.
The foil, on the other hand, is the learning weapon par excellence. Lighter and with a flexible blade, this weapon allows you to score points only by touching your opponent's torso. Because of its priority rules, foil requires technical finesse and a thorough understanding of fencing conventions. Beginners and experts alike appreciate this weapon for its technical challenges and demanding precision.
The saber, a cavalry weapon, is distinguished by its speed and dynamism. Touches can be made with the whole blade, and only the areas above the belt are valid, recalling the weapon's military origins. The saber demands explosiveness and quick reflexes, transforming each assault into a veritable show of speed and skill.
Now you know everything there is to know about the different weapons used in fencing... No more excuses for not understanding Olympic fencing events!
And if you want to take upfencing:
Fencing: where to learn and practice this sport in Paris and the Ile-de-France region?
Fencing is a sport we all dream about. How about learning to handle the sword, sabre or foil? Here are the clubs in the Paris region where you can learn and practice fencing. [Read more]
