Click the link to view the full version: WASCZ | Fencing Competition Results
Competitive fencing is one of the five activities which have been featured in every modern Olympic Games, the other four being athletics, cycling, swimming, and gymnastics. It is a combat sport based on traditional swordsmanship which arose at the end of the 19th century in Italy and was refined in France. There are three forms of modern fencing, each of which uses a different kind of sword (foil, épée, and sabre), and each has different rules.
Fencing’s appeal lies in the interplay of lightning-quick movements and fast-changing tactics. With the lights dimmed and the focus on the piste, the athletes’ explosive attacks and defensive manoeuvres are distilled into tiny moments where an error or hesitation can decide the outcome. Speedy reflexes can compensate for a lack of reach, with openings created in just two or three rapid retaliatory thrusts.
Foil fencers use the flexibility of their sword to make attacks that wrap around the opponent to their back. For the foil and sabre, ‘right of way’ is given to the fencer who first extends their arm and points their sword tip towards their opponent. If the other fencer dodges or parries in defence, they gain right of way and will often launch an immediate counterattack.
There is no right of way in epée matches and a point is awarded any time a sword tip hits the opponent. If both fencers hit at the same time, they are both awarded points. Since the whole body is a valid target, matches play out in a variety of ways as fencers target unexpected parts of their opponent’s body right down to their toes.
Fencing is greatly enjoyed by the students who train consistently, vigorously and passionately. This attitude was clear to see during recent competitions at which our students were very successful, fighting gracefully and demonstrating a great finesse with their blades. Our congratulations go to:
D. Zhu (G5 Blake) who won individual first place in junior Sabre at the 16th Changzhou Games.
V. Zhang (G4 Somerville) who won individual first place in the U12 Foil Mixed group and U10 Foil Girls group at the 2023 Suzhou International School Fencing Tournament SSIS.
K. Zhang (G3 Hawking) who won individual second place in the U10 Foil Boys group at the 2023 Suzhou International School Fencing Tournament SSIS.
We look forward to fielding more students to represent the school and take part in competitions in the future, knowing they will reach these outstanding standards.
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