Competition

Europe’s Veterans Shine in Manama

21 November 2025

A celebration of excellence across all age categories at the Veterans World Championships

A Fitting Finale to the Season

The Veterans World Championships in Manama came to a close yesterday, marking the final international event of the year and celebrating the unwavering passion of athletes who continue to embody the spirit of fencing at every age. For the European fencing family, this championship was a demonstration of depth, experience, and commitment — and European fencers excelled across all categories, from Vet-40 to the Grand Veteran team events.

Vet-40: A Strong Start for Europe

The Vet-40 competitions set an early tone for Europe’s dominance. Italy opened the medal count with Federico Bollatisecuring the Men’s Épée world title, while Rabea Hambach-Richter of Germany topped the Women’s Sabre event with remarkable control and precision. Italy continued its success as Ugo Balestrieri clinched gold in Men’s Foil and Marta Cammilletti triumphed in the Women’s Foil category. The sabre competitions saw another powerful performance from Europe, with Georgii Kirnosov winning Men’s Sabre.

Vet-50: Experience and Determination

In the Vet-50 age group, Italian sabreur Costanza Drigo captured the Women’s Sabre gold, confirming Italy’s commanding presence. The Men’s Épée title went to Aleksander Atanassow from Poland, who fenced with confidence throughout the day. Italy again returned to the top of the foil podium thanks to Filippo Pesce, while Bulgaria celebrated a strong win in Men’s Sabre through Atanas Arnaudov.

Vet-60: European Excellence Across the Board

Vet-60 events were marked by exceptional tactical fencing and endurance. Hungary’s Robert Bardi took the Men’s Épée title, while Germany’s Carolin Marheineke claimed Women’s Épée gold, demonstrating superb consistency. In foil, France enjoyed victory with Pascal Jolyot in the men’s event, and Italy added another gold thanks to Magda Melandri in Women’s Foil.

Vet-70: Celebrating the Masters

The Vet-70 category showcased inspiring performances from athletes who continue to elevate the sport with their lifelong dedication. Belgium’s Jean Stock won Men’s Épée, Germany’s Astrid Kircheis triumphed in Women’s Épée, and Great Britain celebrated Vet-70 Men’s Foil gold through Paul Wedge. Their achievements reflect the vitality and longevity at the heart of veteran fencing.

Veteran Team Events: Unity and Collective Strength

Team competitions brought some of the most emotional moments of the championships. France rose to the top in Men’s Épée, with François Wacquez, Ludovic Lesne, Nicolas Coruble, Julien Lombard, and François Pawlaczyk showing exceptional teamwork. Great Britain excelled in Women’s Épée, led by Susann Altkemper, Lindsay Bottoms, Kathryn Reed, Georgina Usher, and Jayne Ward.

France also celebrated victory in the Men’s Foil Team event, while Germany claimed the Women’s Sabre Team title with Gunilla Graudins, Nicole Thome, Katalin Di Martino, Christina Mazzola, and Rabea Hambach-Richter. Italy shone in Women’s Foil with a united performance from Marta Cammilletti, Martina Ganassin, Elena Benucci, Francesca Zurlo,and Paola Quadri. The Men’s Sabre Team event was won by the AIN team, led by Leonid Davydov, Taras Kashinskiy, Georgii Kirnosov, Dmitrii Kustov, and Dmitrii Papsuev.

Grand Veteran Team Events: Experience Takes Centre Stage

The Grand Veteran team finals offered a final highlight to the week in Manama. Germany’s Men’s Épée squad — Achim Bellmann, Gerald Hinz, Volker Fischer, Marco Longo, and Gerd Oswald — delivered a powerful collective performance to secure gold. Germany also topped the Women’s Épée podium with Frauke Hohlbein, Astrid Kircheis, Angela Kummich, Carolin Marheineke, and Halka Tuchen.

Italy dominated the foil and sabre events in the Grand Veteran category. The Men’s Foil team of Michele De Santis, Maurizio Galvan, Francesco Tiberi, Marco Bosio, and Fabio Miraldi claimed gold, while the Men’s Sabre team — Giulio Paroli, Enrico Antinoro, Riccardo Carmina, Alberto Feira Chios, and Luca Falaschi — completed the championship with another Italian victory.

A Championship That Reflects the Spirit of Fencing

The 2025 Veterans World Championships once again highlighted the importance of veteran sport within the global fencing community. Beyond medals and rankings, these athletes inspire younger generations, enrich national federations, and demonstrate that fencing is truly a lifelong pursuit.

Europe’s athletes shone brightly throughout the week in Manama, reinforcing the continent’s commitment to excellence, inclusion, and the enduring power of fencing at every age.