MAIN Sports 2012 Summer Olympics Fencing

Fencing was one of only nine sports in the first modern Olympic Games of 1896. Through the years, as the Olympics have expanded, so have the number of events in the fencing arena.

Both women and men now compete for medals in foil, saber, and epee.

Foil competitions are set apart by their thrusting action, with points scored with hits to the torso. Any hits from the side off the sword are not counted.

Saber or sabre is a slightly larger sword in which competitors score with the edge of the blade, and to most spectators proves to be the more exciting, and fast-paced competition.

Epee (in French, epee means sword) is similar to the foil competition wherein a larger sword is used to thrust and score points on any part of the body.

Today, wireless electronic scoring makes for more accurate judging. Meanwhile, the swish of metal makes the sport as exciting as days of olde...En garde!

More information about Olympic fencing around the Web:

FIE - International Fencing site available in French, English and Spanish. For up to date results during the games check their results page - just click on the Olympic Games in the drop down menu after choosing the event.

International Olympic Committee - A brief overview of its swashbuckling history plus profiles of famous fencers of the past, complete information on epee, foil and sabre events, photo gallery, glossary of terms.

BBC Olympics - Fencing - Live updates, athlete profiles, photos & video, a history of the sport and other interesting fencing trivia and factoids.

NBC Olympics - Fencing - Complete U.S. TV schedule, major news headlines and feature profiles, who to watch, fan forum.

USA Fencing Online - This is the official site of the USA Fencing Team -- with a good selection of links to information about the sport and news items for current information. You'll be in a good position to follow the Games with the USA team here.

Canadian Fencing Federation - In English or French, you'll find a rundown of the latest news, athlete's profiles and plenty of other info and pictures to keep you pointed in the right direction.

Fencing New Zealand - News and coverage on The New Zealand Olympic Fencing team's Jessica Beer (Auckland) reach for the Gold in Individual Epee.

Australian Fencing Federation - A good mix of Australian local, national and international events for al of you following the Aussie's on the road to the Olympics.