The final day of the U23 European Championships in Antalya was a spectacular showcase of skill, strategy and sportsmanship as fencers competed in the men’s and women’s epee and women’s sabre team events. The competition was fierce, with Hungary, Ukraine, and Bulgaria emerging as the champions in their respective categories.
Men’s Epee
In the men’s epee, Hungary's team displayed remarkable prowess, securing the gold medal. The Hungarian squad, comprising Levente Bartko, Zsombor Keszthelyi, Gergely Kovacs, and Soma Somody, fought valiantly throughout the tournament. Their journey to the top culminated in a well-deserved victory, showcasing their dominance.
France, represented by Alexis Messien, Kendrick Jean Joseph, Auxence Dorigo, and Bastien Archambeaud, took the silver medal. Despite their strong performance and securing victories over numerous opponents, they couldn't overcome the Hungarian team in the final.
The bronze medal went to Ukraine, with team members Andriy Opanasenko, Nikita Koshman, Maksym Perchuk, and Mykhailo Krasniuk demonstrating their skill and determination to claim a spot on the podium.
Women’s Epee
The women's epee competition saw Ukraine emerge victorious in a thrilling finale. The Ukrainian team, featuring Polina Kuleshova, Emily Conrad, Anna Maksymenko, and Alina Dmytruk, delivered an exceptional performance. They narrowly defeated the favored Italian team in the semifinals with a score of 45:44, and continued their momentum to clinch the gold by overcoming France 45:43 in a nail-biting final.
France, with Elea Jouve, Anne Emmanuelle Villageois, Oceane Francillonne, and Gwendolyne Laharotte, secured the silver medal. Their strong performance throughout the event highlighted their skill, but they fell just short in the final match against the Ukrainians.
Poland captured the bronze medal, with team members Zofia Janelli, Kinga Zgryzniak, Gloria Klughardt, and Karolina Szymanowska showcasing their talent and determination to secure a place on the podium.
Women’s Sabre
In the women’s sabre, Bulgaria triumphed with a series of close and intense matches. The Bulgarian team, composed of Yoana Ilieva, Beloslava Ivanova, Kalina Atanasova, and Emma Neikova, demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork. Both their semifinal and final matches ended with a dramatic 45:44 scoreline, underlining their resilience and competitive edge.
Turkey’s team, consisting of Deniz Selin Unludag, Nisanur Erbil, Begum Alkaya, and Nil Gungor, performed admirably to secure the silver medal. Their journey to the final was marked by strong performances, but they were edged out by the determined Bulgarian squad.
France took the bronze in this category, with Cyrielle Rioux, Faustine Clapier, Mathilde Mouroux, and Lola Tranquille contributing to a commendable performance throughout the tournament.
The final day of the U23 European Championships in Antalya highlighted the extraordinary talent and determination of young fencers across Europe. Congratulations to Hungary, Ukraine, and Bulgaria for their remarkable victories. As the U23 Championships conclude, all eyes now turn to the upcoming Senior European Championships in Basel, Switzerland, from June 18-23, 2024, where the continent's top fencers will once again showcase their prowess.
