Light the Torch – Beijing Olympics and Other Olympic News

Summer Olympic Sports: Fencing

by Sandy Mitchell on May 24th, 2008

Fencing is one of just four sports that have been included in all of the modern Olympic games. Women’s fencing was added in 1924.

The fencing events consist of three categories: foil, epee, and sabre–in individual and team competitions. A foil is a light, flexible weapon; an epee is a heavier, thrusting weapon; and a sabre is a cutting and thrusting weapon. Today, electronic weapons are used and record strikes via computer.

Pictured above is Tim Morehouse, one of 14 members of the US Olympic Fencing Team. Morehouse, an alternate for the 2004 games, won a bronze individual medal and a silver team medal at the 2008 National Championship.

For the Beijing games, the fencing events will take place in the National Convention Center in Beijing. The venue features 26 fencing strips and seats 5900 spectators.

^{(photos © Newscom)}

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POSTED IN: Beijing 2008, Fencing