Fencing

Target areas, permitted actions and priority rules give each weapon its own competitive character.

In foil and sabre, the lights record contact while the referee interprets the order of the exchange.

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.