The recently concluded Cadet and Junior World Championships in Riyadh witnessed a spectacular showcase of fencing prowess. Held from April 12 to 20, 2024, the event proved to be a stage where talent, skill, and determination converged to produce thrilling displays of athleticism.
European fencers showcased their dominance in several disciplines, claiming the top spots across various disciplines. Here are the European winners who emerged victorious in their respective disciplines:
Cadet Epee Men: Doruk Erolcevik (TUR)
Cadet Epee Women: Anna Maksymenko (UKR)
Cadet Sabre Women: Dorottya Csonka (HUN)
Junior Epee Men: Alban Aebersold (SUI)
Junior Epee Women: Oceane Francillonne (FRA)
Junior Sabre Men: Vlad Covaliu (ROU)
Junior Epee Men Team: Italy
Junior Foil Women Team: Italy
Junior Sabre Women Team: France
These remarkable victories underscore the depth of talent and the high level of training within the European fencing community.
On the medal tally, European nations asserted their dominance, with Italy and France securing notable positions alongside the USA. Italy's 13-medal haul, comprising 2 golds, 5 silvers, and 6 bronzes, propelled them to second place in the standings. Meanwhile, France's collection of 6 medals (2 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze) solidified their status as a fencing powerhouse, securing third place overall.
The outstanding performance of European fencers at the Cadet and Junior are World Championships not only reaffirms the continent's leading role in fencing but also underscores the effectiveness of the initiatives undertaken by European federations and the European Fencing Confederation.
Giorgio Scarso, the president of the European Fencing Confederation, remarked, "I want to emphasize the level of European fencing. Out of 18 countries in the medal table, there are 10 European countries (France, Romania, Italy, Ukraine, Hungary, Turkey, Switzerland, Spain, Great Britain, Poland), 5 from Asia, 2 from America, and 1 from Africa. Europe alone has collected 10 countries that have achieved medals. While all results are significant, there are a few I would like to highlight: The victory of Turkish fencer Doruk Erolcevik in the cadet men's epee. This achievement positions the Turkish federation among those capable of contending for world titles, signifying a considerable investment of effort by the federation. Equally noteworthy is the gold medal earned by Romanian fencer Vlad Covaliu in men's sabre. As the son of the president of the Romanian Olympic Committee, this victory ignites hope within Romanian fencing circles. Undoubtedly, this tournament marks a resounding success for European countries."
Scarso's statement highlights the depth of European fencing talent and celebrates the success of European federations in nurturing and promoting the sport.
As European fencers continue to make their mark on the international fencing scene, their achievements serve as inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide and reinforce Europe's position in the sport of fencing.
