2023-06-30 14:28:08
At the European Games organized in Krakow, the French fencing team led by its Ultramarins once again shone. Four medals were collected, two in gold and two in silver for those from overseas. A good harvest a few weeks before the world championships.
The French fencing team has a status to defend. For years, she has been at the top of the discipline. In addition, the Blues could not afford to miss their outing in Krakow (Poland).
The swordsmen 24 years later
The French swordsmen understood the message well. After 24 years of scarcity, Guadeloupean Tom Seitz and his teammates Maxime Pianfetti, Sébastien Patrice and Boladé Apithy have put the French saber team back at the top of the European chessboard. After a bitter battle in the final on Wednesday June 28 against Italy, they finally won 45 – 42.
A great performance achieved by this team with Tom Seitz, from Deshaies in Basse-Terre. With this gold medal, they put an end to 14 years without a podium in a major competition for the French saber team. The last French medal dates back to 2009, in Bulgaria during the European Championships: it was a silver medal.
The French swordsmen have confirmed their excellent start to the season. Led by Martiniquais Alexandra Louis Marie and Guadeloupeans Marie-Florence Candassamy and Coraline Vitalis, Les Bleues won their second European title in a row. Dominated for a good part of the final against the surprising Hungarian selection (9ᵉ in the world ranking), the French women pulled away at the end of the fight to retain their title (34-33).
Led by the new individual European champion Alexandra Louis Marie, the favorite French team in the competition has not departed from its status. The French swordsmen had, before these European Games, garnered four medals in five outings. A few months before the Paris Olympic Games, Guadeloupe’s Coraline Vitalis, back in competition, was able to reassure herself.
The years follow one another and look alike for the male foil fencers. Like last year, Guadeloupean Enzo Lefort’s teammates failed in the final. Defeated by Italy 45-39, the Blues suffered throughout the game. Author of a good performance, Enzo Lefort brought the French team to two touches behind the Italians for a time. But better in place and more determined, the reigning world champions logically imposed themselves.
The French foil fencers also suffered the same fate as their male brothers in arms. In the final, they broke their teeth on the Italians who seem to be their pet peeve. Like last year, they won the silver medal. Ysaora Thibus had however launched the French very well, winning in her first stint against the Italian who had eliminated her at the European Individual Championships a few days ago.
With these results, French fencing confirms its good form and its rise to power a few days before the world championships. A qualifying competition for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
1688136423
#Fencing #Ultramarines #shine #European #Games