Nearly three weeks have passed since the end of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It is not yet time for the international federations to take stock, but it is already time to look back on the highlights of the event. With hindsight, but also with emotion.

Emmanuel Katsiadakis, the interim president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), did it for FrancsJeux. He rewinds the most striking images and lessons of an Olympic competition that will mark the history of the discipline.

FrancsJeux : What impression do you have of the fencing events at the Paris 2024 Games?

Emmanuel Katsiadakis : They left me with an impression of talent, strategy and elegance. The athletes demonstrated all their mastery of fencing, they made this competition a demonstration of athletic qualities and mental strength. The atmosphere was electric, the spectators expressed all their energy and enthusiasm. These Olympic events illustrated all the beauty and fervor of our sport.

From a personal point of view, what was the most powerful moment?

I really tried to choose just one moment, but it’s impossible. The whole competition, in an extraordinary venue, was an exceptional moment in the history of fencing. It was celebrated every day, with sold-out sessions, with an incredible crowd. As I’ve said before, fencing has entered a new era thanks to the Paris 2024 Games.

A word about the Grand Palais, recognized by many as one of the most beautiful sites of the Games.

This historic venue has been the perfect “home” for our sport. This combination of sporting excellence and architectural magnificence at the Grand Palais has embodied the spirit of Olympism, combining sport with culture, education and the philosophy of fencing.

Did the organization meet your expectations?

It not only met expectations, but exceeded them. The long years of preparation paid off, the Organising Committee demonstrated a very high level of professionalism. I also note the OCOG's commitment to promoting diversity and culture, by accompanying the competitions with cultural events and celebrations. Investments in sports facilities, urban development and cultural projects will most certainly continue to benefit the city long after the Games are over.

Could these Games mark a turning point for fencing?

Yes. There is no doubt that fencing has entered a new era, it has reached millions of spectators and fans around the world. In addition to a sold-out audience at the Grand Palais for each day of competition, millions of people around the world followed fencing on television and social media. The Games have increased the visibility and popularity of fencing. I hope this will help attract new participants. Now it is up to us to do our best to grow even further and inspire a new generation of athletes and fans.

Three Asian countries and the United States finished in the top four places in the medal table. How do you explain this domination of nations that are not the most traditional in fencing?

The word domination does not seem right to me. I prefer to speak of the globalization of fencing. The FIE has invested in promotion worldwide. Athlete development and coach training programs, financial support, academies and, of course, very active cooperation with national federations, are all factors that explain this globalization. By continuing to prioritize development, we can anticipate the emergence of great fencers, wherever they are in the international fencing community.

Thirteen countries are included in the ranking of nations. Is this another sign of the universality of fencing?

Of course. No fewer than 53 National Olympic Committees participated in the Olympic events, with 212 athletes, evenly split between 106 women and 106 men. The medals were distributed across four continents and 13 countries. These figures illustrate the universality of fencing, but also the competitiveness of an increasing number of nations. As more and more countries invest in fencing programs and develop talented athletes, our sport will continue to grow around the world. At the FIE, we are committed to this. The diversity of the nations ranking is further proof of the inclusive nature of fencing, where athletes from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to excel on the world stage.