Less than 600 days before the Paris 2024 Games, fencing does not hide its impatience. The next Olympic and Paralympic meeting promises to be historic for the discipline, with an iconic competition site – the Grand Palais – and all the weight of French tradition and culture.

At the helm of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), the Greek Emmanuel Katsiadakis (photo above). A former fencer, then referee and manager, he has held the position of interim president since last March. He answered questions from FrancsJeux.

FrancsJeux : How is the International Fencing Federation (FIE) doing today?

Emmanuel Katsiadakis : The federal organization, the financial aspect and the sporting situation are in working order. During the 2021-2022 season, the international calendar was able to return to cruising speed, we were able to relaunch competitions in all geographic zones, in Europe, in Asia, in the Pan-American zone. The Grand Prix, World Cup and World Championships were successfully organized. And the new season is already well underway. At the same time, we were able to resume our development and support programs for athletes, coaches and fencing stakeholders. The “Donate your fencing gear” program, in particular, a unique initiative of its kind, intended to develop our sport around the world, is fully operational again. Today we can fully concentrate on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

You became interim president of the FIE in March last year. What was your priority then?

I took office at a difficult time for fencing and for the FIE. My priority, and that of the executive committee, was to ensure the proper functioning of the FIE, and above all to allow athletes to continue their activities and remain focused on their sporting objectives. I feel like we achieved that. Throughout this period, the fencing community has demonstrated unity, a spirit of cooperation and great solidarity.

A little less than twelve months later, as the last year begins before the Paris 2024 Games, in which direction do you want to take the FIE?

We want to continue our efforts to promote fencing, while maintaining the unique place our sport occupies in the Olympic movement. In Paris next year, as at the Tokyo 2020 Games, all the medal events from our world championships will be present in the Olympic program. Twelve events, twelve Olympic titles. But fencing remains a sport that is sometimes difficult to access for the uninitiated. A very technical and fast sport. We work a lot to make it more visible, to attract a new audience and share with them everything that our disciplines can bring, on a physical and mental level. Fencing has seen remarkable growth on social media and on television. We are determined to continue this progression and gain further popularity. I also want to turn to young people. A new generation of fencers is emerging. We will help him get even closer to the top.

How do you hope to continue the development of fencing around the world, particularly in regions where the discipline is not based on a strong tradition?

Gone are the days when fencing was primarily an important sport in Europe. Gradually, fencing gained new territories. Today, our sport is everywhere. It is very strong in Asia. He conquered America. It is growing in Africa. But we have to go to new countries. This is one of our major objectives for the years to come. To do this, we will rely on the strength, dynamism and collaboration of our 155 federations. Now is the time to demonstrate ingenuity and innovation. We must do an even better job of selling the strengths and values ​​of our sport, its unique combination of athletic and mental qualities.

Can the Paris 2024 Games, contested in a major fencing country, with an iconic site – the Grand Palais – mark a new turning point for fencing?

I have no doubt about that. The Paris 2024 Games are shaping up to be a fantastic event for our sport. The Grand Palais already hosted the World Fencing Championships in 2010. The event was a huge success. The next Olympic and Paralympic Games place us in a very favorable position to further accelerate our development, with twelve medal events and an emblematic venue. They are going to give us an incredible platform to gain popularity.

You have been an athlete, then a referee, and finally an official, at the national and international level. Did you imagine one day holding the position of president of the FIE?

I don't like talking about myself a lot. I prefer work and action to words. My journey in fencing began 65 years ago. During these years, I have had all the experiences, as a young fencer then an experienced athlete, a referee at the national level then in the biggest competitions, a sports manager... I feel very honored to have completed a rich and varied career, having experienced so many unforgettable moments, meeting so many incredible people and gaining friends for life. Occupying the position of interim president of the FIE today offers me a new opportunity to serve my sport. I am determined to do everything possible to ensure the best future for fencing, which is my whole life.