Facts and figures

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Fencing is one of only four sports that have been featured at every modern Olympic Games. It was the first to include recognized professionals at a medal-giving competition after Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, arranged special events for fencing masters in the original 1896 and 1900 competitions.

Duel

This is the original format of the sport. During the 17th century, the foil was developed in France as a lighter training weapon for dueling. In the 18th century, the heavier epee became the popular choice for dueling. After the team foil competition at the 1924 Olympics, an Italian and a Hungarian settled a scoring controversy with a real duel.

Origin

Both Germany and Italy claim to have originated the sport, which began in either the 14th or 15th century.

1900

Epee was introduced to the Olympic Games.

1924

Women's foil made its Olympic debut.

1956

An electronic scoring system was used for the first time at the Melbourne Games in the women's foil events.

1996

Women's epee made its first appearance at the Atlanta Olympics.

2004

Women's sabre was added to the Olympic roster.