France Shines as Lacheray and Garrigue Take Day I Titles
The 2025 European Fencing Championships in Genova opened with breathtaking action and emotional triumphs, as Eva Lacheray and Rémi Garrigue claimed the first gold medals of the competition in Women’s Foil and Men’s Sabre.
Foil Women: Lacheray’s Perfect Day
It was a full-circle moment for Eva Lacheray of France. One year ago, her European Championship run ended just before the podium, stopped by British fencer Carolina Stutchbury. Today in Genova, the script was rewritten. After finishing first out of the pools, Lacheray stayed in command through every direct elimination, ultimately facing Stutchbury again — this time in the final. With sharp timing and unwavering control, she took the victory and stood atop the European podium.
The bronze medals went to Italy’s Martina Batini, who delighted the home crowd, and Hungary’s Flóra Pasztor, both displaying brilliant fencing throughout the day.
Sabre Men: Garrigue’s Golden Leap
In the Men’s Sabre, 20-year-old Rémi Garrigue of France delivered a stunning performance that confirmed his rising star status. Already the reigning U23 European Champion, he stepped confidently onto the senior stage and made history in Genova.
His path was far from easy — Garrigue faced a string of tight matches, but each time found a way to shift gears in the decisive moments. In the final, he faced none other than Áron Szilágyi, Hungary’s legendary triple Olympic champion. Undeterred by the prestige across the piste, Garrigue fenced with boldness and composure, ultimately conquering the Hungarian to capture his first senior European gold.
The bronze medals were awarded to Jean-Philippe Patrice of France and Frederic Kindler of Germany, both showcasing exceptional fencing.
Tomorrow, all eyes turn to Men’s Épée and Women’s Sabre, where new stories will be written and new champions crowned.
Follow live results all day here:
https://www.fencingtimelive.com/tournaments/eventSchedule/6F3E353632504FA28F3B81389D3490BE#today
Watch the finals live on the official FIE YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEy8aBnqDymMIcJCh72gMw
Ready for more? The show in Genova has just begun.
