London 2012 Olympic Games: Fencing

Watch the exciting Fencing events during the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL London, where competitors duel in a test of anticipation, speed and tactical awareness.

Fencing at London 2012

Be amazed by the speed of duels between competitors – including flurries of lunges, attacks and defensive parries – in the Olympic Fencing event at ExCeL London.

Fencing is a highly skilled game of attack and defence, where anticipating the next move is crucial.

Fencing has appeared at every one of the modern Olympic Games, making it one of the oldest events of the tournament. Spit into three strands, based on the different weapons used, the bouts last for nine minutes.

Fencing Disciplines at the Olympics

The Foil is the most common weapon used in the sport, and was originally used as a training weapon. Points can be scored by targeting the bib of the opponent. Foil is only contested by individuals at the Games.

The Sabre differs from the Foil and Epée in that points can also be scored with the side of the blade. The target is any part of the competitor's body above the waist – bar the hands. Sabre is contested by teams and individuals.

The Epée has a stiffer blade and points can be scored by touching any part of the competitor's body. Epée is contested by teams and individuals.