Gymnasiade: Fencing holds its own

The French fencing team shone during the Gymnasiade. Sovereign both individually and in teams, the Blues have maintained their rank among the best nations in the world.

Fencing, a discipline in which France is seeking to bring out a new generation with a view to future international events. The French Fencing Federation therefore had an eye on this 2022 edition of the Gymnasiade. Sabers, swordsmen and foil fencers were gathered at the Halle Saint-Exupéry in Rouen, with an ambition for the Tricolores: to shine at home. After rather successful qualification phases, the French fencers had an appointment for the final phases, the day after the cultural day.

Girls open the counter

As during the last Olympic Games in Tokyo, it is rather the girls who show the way. Among the swordsmen, Anaëlle Doquet has been very prominent since the start of the event. The 17-year-old Châlonnaise passed the stages one after the other, before rubbing shoulders with Meifang Lin in the final. Too strong, the Chinese imposes herself logically. For Anaëlle Doquet, the results remain extremely positive with a very nice silver medal. All smiles and proud to wear the colors of the French team, the young swordswoman now intends to use this magnificent performance to continue her progress. Same objective for Roxane Chabrol, titled in saber. La Tarbaise, who now trains at the France hopefuls pole of INSEP, took over Pinar Miray Sisik in the final. In foil, it is Garance Roger who takes the third step of the podium, completing the collection of Les Bleues.

Mixed event gold

Among the boys too, the dynamic was very positive. On the podium of the European Junior Championships this year, Rémi Garrigue confirmed his full potential during this Gymnasiade. The Habs take gold in the saber. A few hours later, Louis Pradel imitated his compatriot. The member of the Lyon Fencing Society, only 16, beat the Romanian Sebastian Draghici in the final. An individual collection completed by the bronze of the swordsman Aina Rahamefy. Then remained the team event, a specialty on the French side. A mixed event that allowed France to win another gold medal. With a 30-27 success in the final against Romania, the Blues complete this competition perfectly. Brilliant both individually and in teams, this French fencing team formed a body in Normandy. A very promising generation may have been born…