The year 2024 promises to be grandiose for fencing. At the Paris Games, she will set the scene for her events at the Grand Palais, one of the most prestigious sites of the system. Nine days of competition, twelve titles to distribute. Appetizing.

But what should we remember from the year 2023, the last before the Olympic fireworks? At the time of the assessment, FrancsJeux asked the Greek Emmanuel Katsiadakis (photo below), the interim president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE).

FrancsJeux : Was 2023 a good year for fencing?

Emmanuel Katsiadakis :I think it is indeed a good year. The competition schedule was completed smoothly, we had successful championships, and the qualification process for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is well underway. Additionally, the IOC announced that fencing was included in the sports program for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

And for the FIE?

It's been a difficult year. The whole world, and the world of sport, has been affected by crises and conflicts. Within the FIE, we have had to face their negative impact, and take the necessary measures to ensure the proper functioning of the federation, and especially so that fencers are not affected by this difficult environment. We managed to work productively, ensure the implementation of our schedule by making the necessary adjustments, and offer our athletes the opportunity to participate in competitions, and thus pursue their dream of qualifying for the Olympic Games. .

The year 2023 was the first in which you assumed the interim presidency of the FIE from the first to the last day. How did you experience this?

It was a privilege and an honor for me. I have served fencing in many positions, and for many years. Being able to do so as interim president was a wonderful opportunity to affirm my passion and commitment to this sport. In a very difficult period, for the world and for our federation, I accepted this responsibility with great joy and pride. I hope to have succeeded in living up to the expectations of the world of fencing, and to have continued my contribution to the promotion and development of fencing.

A few days before the end of the year, do you have any regrets for 2023?

I have no regrets for this year.

What decision or initiative are you most proud of?

I am proud and happy that we, at the International Fencing Federation, have demonstrated our ability to work together, in a spirit of cooperation and solidarity. During a year full of challenges and unprecedented situations that we were called upon to manage, I believe that we did so seriously and sensitively. We worked under pressure, investing enormous amounts of time, energy and dedication. But we have managed to always act in compliance with the statutes, regulations and administrative rules of the FIE, and to operate as an autonomous sports organization. The FIE, with the support of its national federations, has accomplished its mission: to promote the development of fencing throughout the world and to encourage the improvement of the practice of our sport in all areas.

If you had to summarize this year in a moment, an image or a performance?

I would remember the FIE Congress, which was held last November, because it marked the culmination of our activities for the year, once again celebrating the harmonious cooperation between our member national federations. This annual gathering of the fencing family is proof that, whatever the tensions and crises in the world, we are driven by a spirit of friendship and solidarity.