London Olympics ©Burgess@flickr CC-BY
Over the years the French have won many athletics and cycling medals at various Olympic Games that were held in different countries of the world. However, one thing they exceed at is the wonderful sport of fencing.
Over the years French star performers in Olympic cycling have included Julien Absalon who won a gold medal both in 2004 and then again in 2008. Many people think that he will win again at the 2012 London Olympics.
France’s sprinter, Christophe Lemaitre is also predicted to win at least one gold medal having shown his fantastic turn of speed at both the 100m and 200m races. Lemaitre is the first white man to break a 100m 10 second time.
When it comes to fencing, it is hard to beat the French. Roger Ducret and Phillip Cattiau won eight medals a piece back in the 1920′s and then in the 30s. Today, France produces some brilliant competitors and we are all looking forward to seeing them competing at the London Olympics.
Fencing ©Frog and Onion@flickr CC-BY
Sword fighting dates back centuries, however, fencing as we know it today really made it’s mark as a sport in the 19th century. It is a fine, compelling battle between two opponents with each of them using subtle fencing techniques to win points from each other.
Fencing first appeared in the modern Olympic Games back in 1896 and consisted of men’s Foil and Sabre tournaments. The Epée first appeared in Paris in 1900. But it was not until 1924 that women took part in fencing in the Olympic Games with Foil being the first. In 1996, women competed in Epée and then Sabre was added in 2004.
Julien Absalon ©Mountainbike Worldcup@flickr CC-BY
This year, at the London 2012 Olympic Games, we will be privileged to witness Yannick Borel, Gauthier Grumier, Bolade Apithy competing for medals in the men’s fencing competitions. For the women, there will be Laura Flessel-Colovic and Leonore Perrus showing us their skills and fencing techniques hoping to win a gold.
It is without a doubt, going to be a very exciting time for many nations, and it is predicted French athletes, cyclists and fencers will come away with a few gold medals. The fencing competitions kick off on the 28th July and go on right through to 5th August at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre at the London Olympics with ten events being scheduled.