A closer look at the game

The whole-body target makes small changes in range important, while double-hit conditions influence risk.

Starting rhythm, distance and attacking priority make brief sabre exchanges technically dense.

Advancing, retreating and lunging connect the weapon to the target while preserving balance for the next action.

Each relay leg inherits the previous score, so its contribution depends on the situation at the changeover.

Equipment records defined contact conditions; the rules and referee still determine the scoring outcome.

Vezzali's Sydney, Athens and Beijing results provide a clear record of sustained individual foil success.

Gerevich's six Olympic team titles span a calendar interrupted by cancelled Games.

Zhong's 2008 Olympic title offers an introduction to sabre's combination of speed, distance and priority.

Judo scores form a hierarchy rather than an ordinary sum. The applicable rule period is essential.

Sleeve and lapel control help create opportunities, but a strong-looking grip is not yet a successful attack.

Hand, hip, foot and sacrifice techniques describe technical characteristics rather than guaranteed scoring values.

A standing attack can lead into a ground phase, where legal control and continuing progress matter.

A decisive phase becomes clearer when the existing score, penalties and winning conditions are read together.

An individual contest and the wider team encounter operate on different scoring levels.

Bows and referee commands create an organised boundary around a demanding technical contest.