The Paris 2024 Games have demonstrated once again: fencing is pushing its boundaries. No fewer than 13 countries, from four continents, were included in the medal rankings.

The United States, the host country of the 2028 Games, took second place, one spot behind Japan. Eight years before the Brisbane 2032 Games, Oceania has not placed an athlete on the podium. But the discipline is progressing at a good pace on the continent. Andrea Chaplin, the president of the Oceania Fencing Confederation, explained this to FrancsJeux.

FrancsJeux : What was your personal journey in fencing?

Andrea Chaplin : I have a deep passion for fencing. It began in my childhood, inspired by my mother, who was a fencer and administrator. I began competing in 1974 and then represented Australia internationally from 1978 to 1993, including two Olympic Games, Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988. During that time, I was 15 times Australian Champion and three times New Zealand Champion. Beyond competition, I have held roles as a coach, referee, national selector and administrator. My journey in fencing has been multifaceted. Today, I derive great joy from sharing my knowledge with future generations and contributing to the growth of our sport.

How and why did you become President of the Oceania Confederation?

My passion for growing fencing and commitment to giving back to the sport has always driven me to volunteer. In 2018, I became a Director of the Oceania Fencing Confederation (OFC). When our then President, Helen Smith, announced her retirement, I saw an opportunity to play a leading role in the future of fencing in our region. I stepped forward, understanding the importance of strong leadership to advance our sport. I am honoured to continue to advance our strategic priorities across Oceania.

What are your priorities for the new Olympic cycle?

Firstly, to increase participation and competition at all levels in our region, strengthen development opportunities for coaches and referees, and ensure that our athletes are well prepared and have the best possible chance of representing their countries in international competitions. A key objective is to enable Oceania fencers to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, while laying the foundations for even greater success in the run up to Brisbane 2032. Developing fencing in Pacific Island countries presents several challenges, mainly due to geography, with significant distances, limited infrastructure and resources. Travel costs and time constraints make it difficult for athletes, coaches and referees to regularly attend regional events or training programmes. Fencing requires specialist equipment and facilities, which are expensive to import. Many Pacific nations are prioritising more traditional and accessible sports, such as rugby or athletics. To build a sustainable fencing culture, it is essential to focus on developing local expertise. This means increasing the number of coaches and referees in the region, providing equipment and administrative and governance support. We need to invest in training and certification programs. But we are committed to finding innovative solutions. For example, collaborating regionally to share resources, implementing online training programs, securing funding or equipment to support development. The passion for fencing is strong in these countries. With the right support, we can grow the sport across the Pacific.

What is the current situation of fencing in Australia and the rest of Oceania?

In Australia, fencing continues to grow, but it is still a niche sport, supported primarily by volunteers. There is a strong base of dedicated clubs and athletes, and a national program. But the challenge is to increase visibility and participation nationally, particularly given the distances. Oceania faces unique challenges due to the geographical extent and size of some nations. We are building a cohesive regional structure that supports training, officiating and competition development across all Oceania countries.

Did the Sydney 2000 Games have a lasting impact on fencing in Australia?

They had an impact on many sports, but fencing, being smaller and less popular, benefited more modestly. The Games introduced fencing to a wider audience. While this generated interest and led to an increase in participation at a local level, particularly among young people, fencing did not experience the same growth or funding as other larger sports. The lasting impact was moderate, but Sydney 2000 paved the way for international engagement and inspired a new generation of fencers.

How can the Brisbane 2032 Games be used to promote the development of fencing in Australia?

Brisbane 2032 will provide a unique opportunity to grow fencing in Australia. We can capitalise on this by focusing on grassroots development, expanding youth programs and integrating fencing into school curricula. Establishing a clear ‘Olympic pathway’ for young athletes will inspire future generations to take up the sport. Visibility is key: through national campaigns, media exposure and strategic partnerships, we can bring fencing to the wider public. In addition, government funding can be used to strengthen programs and infrastructure. Developing elite athletes, regular participation in international competitions and regular media exposure leading up to Brisbane will help raise the profile of fencing.