Advertisement

Italians a good bet for fencing medals

(UPI Photo File/Peter J. Thompson )
(UPI Photo File/Peter J. Thompson ) | License Photo

BEIJING, July 25 (UPI) -- Fencing

Gold medals to be awarded: 10

Advertisement

Dates of competition: Aug. 9-17

Fencing is not a sport designed to be spectator friendly but there is no denying the passion involved.

The sport has been a part of the Olympics from the beginning and involves three weapons -- foil, epee and sabre. The foil is 35 inches long and weighs less than 1 pound. To score a point, the blade must touch within the opponent's torso -- either front or back.

The epee is about the same length as the foil but is heavier. To score, the blade has only to touch the opponent anywhere from head to foot.

The sabre is similar to the foil in length and weight. The scoring area is from the bend of the hips to the top of the head.

France is the all-time leader in Olympic medals with 111 -- five more than Italy. The Italians led in Athens with seven medals.

Mariel Zaguis became the first American to win a fencing gold in 100 years at the Athens Olympics, claiming the title in sabre. Sada Jacobson won the bronze in the same event and both will be in action in Beijing.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines