With a competition site as prestigious as the Grand Palais, a stone's throw from the Seine, fencing is well placed among the best-off sports in the Paris 2024 Games. The stands will be full. The competitions promise to be grandiose. With, always good to take, a French team capable of distinguishing itself in all the events of the program.

Less than 60 days before the event, the (interim) president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), the Greek Emmanuel Katsiadakis, expects a lot from the Paris 2024 Games. He explained this to FrancsJeux, before revealing his vision for the longer-term future of fencing.

FrancsJeux : The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are fast approaching. What do you expect?

Emmanuel Katsiadakis : With the best fencers in the world all present, I expect intense competition and exciting fights. They will highlight, I am convinced, the physical and mental qualities of the athletes. Paris 2024 promises to be a new chapter in the long history of fencing. The Games will provide us with an opportunity to present the values ​​and philosophy of our sport to thousands of spectators. I also expect a new experience for fencers and fans. And, of course, the further development of fencing in terms of popularity and accessibility.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be a success if…

If they leave an unforgettable memory for athletes and supporters. If they highlight the enthusiasm, passion and unity that fencing represents. If they present fencing in its best light, in front of a global audience, to inspire future generations of fencers. Finally, they will be a success if the competitions promote inclusion and sportsmanship.

Beyond Paris 2024, what direction do you want to take fencing?

I would like to see fencing continue to evolve and innovate in different directions. Firstly, by succeeding in reaching new audiences and practitioners, who are still far from our discipline today. Advances in technology will also, most certainly, bring improvements to our sport, particularly in terms of performance and training techniques. We also have the objective, at the FIE, of further developing fencing among all age categories and all origins, and this on a global scale.

Exactly, how can we make fencing even more universal?

Striving to increase the accessibility and inclusiveness of the sport. The development programs put in place by the FIE go in this direction. Fencing academies, in particular, are now open in several regions of the world. We also provide financial assistance for the organization of competitions and training camps. The FIE also organizes training sessions for coaches, officials and athletes. They aim to support them in their journey to the highest level, in terms of knowledge, expertise and performance. Fencing is a big family, an increasingly global family, united by very strong bonds of cooperation and solidarity.

The IOC is now placing increasing emphasis on electronic sports and artificial intelligence as tools for developing the Olympic movement. Is this true for fencing?

Electronic sports and artificial intelligence represent two fairly new worlds. But I have the feeling that everyone in the sporting world is exploring the strengths and advancements they can bring. All sports will take a close interest in these technologies, but will undoubtedly integrate them in very diverse ways. Fencing is a traditional sport. It relies on its own history and its own rules. The integration of electronic sports may therefore not be as easy. But advances in technology will certainly have an impact on improving training methods, performance data analysis or fan engagement.

What is the FIE's position on the current debate within the Olympic movement regarding Games bonuses, following World Athletics' decision to reward gold medalists at Paris 2024?

The concept of financial bonuses revolves around issues of fairness, equality and their potential impact on the spirit of the Games. For many, the most critical of World Athletics' decision, offering bonuses risks placing the financial aspect of performance in first place, ahead of the very essence of sportsmanship and competition. It is important, I believe, not to introduce an element which could divert the attention of the athletes and the public towards something other than the primary objective of the Olympic Games: sporting performance, non-discrimination and unity between all participants and all countries.