1,600+ Athletes, 4 Cities, 1 Passion: Fencing at Its Best
This weekend, the European fencing stage welcomed a stunning showcase of talent as over 1,665 athletes competed in Berlin, Bratislava, Poznan, and Segovia. Representing more than 40 nations, young fencers demonstrated exceptional skill and determination across epee, foil, and sabre events.
Berlin: U23 European Circuit
Berlin hosted one of the season's most exciting U23 competitions, with 455 participants from 34 countries.
In the men’s epee, Tristan Tulen (NED) displayed remarkable composure and skill to secure gold, defeating Germany’s Lukas Bellmann in a thrilling final. Italy’s Simone Mencarelli and Switzerland’s Hadrien Favre shared bronze, reflecting the depth of talent in European fencing.
The women’s epee saw Alexandra Ehler (GER) dominate on home soil, earning gold with a commanding performance. Latvia’s Sofija Prosina impressed with her silver medal, while Italy’s Carola Maccagno and Vera Perini rounded out the podium with bronze.
Bratislava: Cadet Circuit Epee
Nearly 700 fencers gathered in Bratislava for the cadet epee competitions, where the United States emerged as a dominant force.
David Dodin led the American charge in the men’s individual epee, claiming gold after a series of intense bouts. Teammate Daniel Chirashnya took silver, while Andy Zheng (USA) and Aron Petrovszki (HUN) shared bronze.
In the women’s epee, Melinda Yao (USA) fenced with precision to win gold, while Hungary’s Anna Szilard took silver. The bronze medals went to Alina Dmytruk (UKR) and Emily Chtefanov (ISR).
The team events further highlighted American strength. The USA secured double gold in both men’s and women’s team epee competitions, with Ukraine and Hungary also earning podium finishes.
Poznan: Cadet Circuit Foil
Poznan was the stage for technical brilliance in cadet foil, with Team USA delivering a commanding performance.
In the women’s individual foil, Gabrielle Gebala (USA) claimed gold, while Emilia Shen (USA) took silver. Lavender Lee and Irene Seo completed an all-American podium with shared bronze.
The team event saw the USA dominate once again, as their first squad, led by Ella Calise, Viviene Goor, Joy Zhaoyi Liu, and Iris Yang, took gold. Two additional American teams followed with silver and bronze.
Segovia: Cadet Circuit Sabre
In Segovia, sabre fencers displayed speed and agility, captivating audiences with their performances.
Collin Chon (USA) emerged victorious in the men’s individual sabre, defeating Daniel Iliffe (AUS) in the final. Bronze went to Eric Kwalwasser (USA) and Nikolaos Livanos (GRE).
The women’s individual sabre was another success for Team USA, with Xuanyi Zhang taking gold. Great Britain’s Hui Xin Sezille earned silver, while Ralitsa Gadzheva (BUL) and Delilah Huai (USA) shared bronze.
France excelled in the men’s sabre team event, taking gold ahead of two American squads. In the women’s team sabre, the USA 2 team, led by Nicole Lin, Yifei Liu, and Isabel Schmidt, claimed victory, while France and USA 1 rounded out the podium.
European Success at World Cup Events
European senior fencers showcased their dominance on the global stage this weekend with remarkable performances at the World Cup competitions.
In Paris, Italy’s Alessio Foconi delivered a masterclass in men’s foil, clinching the individual gold medal. The Italian team, comprising Guillaume Bianchi, Alessio Foconi, Giulio Lombardi, and Filippo Macchi, continued their nation’s success by winning the team event with a flawless display of teamwork and strategy.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, Italy’s women’s foil team also claimed gold. Anna Cristino, Arianna Errigo, Martina Favaretto, and Elena Tangherlini demonstrated exceptional skill and unity, reaffirming Italy’s place at the pinnacle of international fencing.
This weekend highlighted the depth of talent across all levels of fencing, from rising stars in cadet and U23 events to established champions on the World Cup stage. With the season in full swing, these competitions have set the stage for an exciting year ahead, both in Europe and globally.
Stay tuned for next weekend’s event: EFC FFE (Fencing For Everyone) Circuit Sofia Epee and Sabre U23, where Europe’s top young talents will once again take center stage!
