The European Fencing Senior Championships officially began today with a spectacular opening ceremony, setting the stage for an intense and exciting week of competition. Hosted in the heart of Europe, this prestigious event runs from June 18th to June 23rd, 2024, bringing together the continent’s finest fencing talents in a prelude to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In his opening speech, Giorgio Scarso, President of the European Fencing Confederation, highlighted the significance of the event and expressed gratitude for the impeccable organization. He acknowledged the efforts of the Local Organising Committee, the Swiss Fencing Federation, and local authorities in Basel.
“European fencing lives in the heart of Europe, so in Switzerland, in Basel in particular, the last competitive act of this four-year period, which will end in a few days with Paris '24,” stated Scarso. “The European Senior Championship represents the highest competitive expression of the Confederation and, when it falls a few days before the starting of the Olympic Games, it takes on a particularly significant value of which the Swiss authorities can and must be proud.”
Scarso emphasized the importance of the event in shaping the athletes' standings ahead of the Olympics, urging participants to give their all in every match. “The Championship's matches will not change the list of athletes admitted to the Olympics, but they will move the ranking position, which has a certain weight, so I am sure that every attack/assault will be fought to the last hit, both to honour the values of fencing and also to improve one's position in view of Paris.”
He concluded with words of encouragement and solidarity, “To the competing athletes, a good portion of whom will be competing in the Olympic Games, I wish a well-deserved success and, certain of interpreting the common feeling, I appeal to their sense of belonging so that with their commitment they can honour their flag, their Federation, their teachers.”
Day One Results: Women’s Epee and Men’s Foil
The first day of competition saw thrilling matches in Women’s Epee and Men’s Foil, with athletes delivering exceptional performances.
In the Women’s Epee, Estonia’s Irina Embrich claimed the gold medal with a stunning display of skill and determination. France’s Auriane Mallo-Breton secured the silver, while Italy’s Alberta Santuccio and Switzerland’s Angeline Favre both took bronze, showcasing their exceptional talent and tenacity.
The Men’s Foil event was dominated by the Italian team, with Tommaso Marini triumphing to take the gold and Alessio Foconi earning the silver. Maxime Pauty of France and Alexander Choupenitch of the Czech Republic shared the bronze, adding to the excitement and prestige of the competition.
Tomorrow promises another day of high-stakes competition, featuring events in Men’s Sabre and Women’s Foil. Fencing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more spectacular bouts and the emergence of new champions as the European Fencing Senior Championships continue.
Stay tuned for more updates and detailed coverage of the matches as we celebrate the sport of fencing and the incredible athletes who bring it to life.
