Fencing, a sport that combines elegance, strategy and agility, has been the stage for some of the most exciting and epic competitions in Olympic history. And at the center of these sword battles are also women.
So we’ve selected the 20 best women fencers of all time for you to get to know! In this list, we explore the brilliant careers and impressive feats that have put them at the top of the podium.
From the earliest days of fencing to contemporary competitions, these athletes have demonstrated unparalleled technical mastery, courage and dedication, inspiring a generation of fencers and fans across the globe.
So are you ready to meet the 20 best female fencers of all time?
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Top 20 women fencers of all time: complete list
See the full list of the 20 best fencers of all time!
- Valentina Vezzali
- Mariel Zagunis
- Laura Flessel-Colovic
- Elisa Di Francisca
- Olga Kharlan
- Yana Egorian
- Sofiya Velikaya
- Anita Blaze
- Elena Jemayeva
- Inna Deriglazova
- Lee Kiefer
- Emese Szász
- Tatiana Logunova
- Nikolayeva
- Laura Flessel
- Sandra Sassine
- Sada Jacobson
- Olga Velichko
- Zhong Man
- Olena Khomrova
20 best female fencers of all time
Find out more about the 20 best female fencers of all time!
1. Valentina Vezzali
- Titles: Six-time Olympic champion.
- Team: Italy.
- Fun facts: She was the first fencer to win three consecutive Olympic titles in a single discipline.
- Life story: She began her fencing career at the age of nine and became a legend in the sport.
2. Mariel Zagunis
- Titles: Two-time Olympic champion.
- Team: United States.
- Fun facts: First US Olympic fencing champion in over a hundred years.
- Life story: Started fencing at the age of ten and quickly became one of the best.
3. Laura Flessel-Colovic
- Titles: Two-time Olympic champion.
- Team: France.
- Fun facts: She received the title of Knight of the French Legion of Honor.
- Life story: One of the most respected fencers in French history, helping to popularize the sport in her country.
4. Elisa Di Francisca
- Titles: Three-time Olympic champion.
- Team: Italy.
- Fun facts: Won the gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012.
- Life story: She started fencing at the age of five and went on to become one of Italy’s greatest fencers.
5. Olga Kharlan
- Titles: Once an Olympic champion.
- Team: Ukraine.
- Fun facts: Known as the “Queen of the Sword”.
- Life story: She stood out as one of the most feared fencers in the world, especially in the sword discipline.
6. Yana Egorian
- Titles: Two-time Olympic champion.
- Team: Russia.
- Fun facts: She is one of the youngest fencers to win an Olympic gold medal.
- Life story: She showed exceptional talent from an early age and continues to be a dominant force in fencing.
7. Sofiya Velikaya
- Titles: Olympic gold and silver medalist.
- Team: Russia.
- Fun facts: She is also a respected fencing referee.
- Life story: One of the most internationally recognized fencers, known for her technical skill and determination.
8. Anita Blaze
- Titles: Olympic gold medalist.
- Team: France.
- Fun facts: Won gold in the women’s sabre team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
- Life story: Emerged as one of the leading French fencers of her generation.
9. Elena Jemayeva
- Titles: Olympic gold medalist.
- Team: Russia.
- Fun facts: Won gold in the women’s sword team at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
- Life story: Contributed significantly to the success of the Russian fencing team throughout her career.
10. Inna Deriglazova
- Titles: Two-time Olympic champion.
- Team: Russia.
- Fun facts: She is one of the most consistent fencers in international competitions.
- Life story: She started fencing at the age of eight and has been a dominant force in the sport ever since.
11. Lee Kiefer
- Titles: Olympic gold medalist.
- Team: United States.
- Fun facts: Won gold in the women’s individual foil at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
- Life story: Became the first US fencer to win Olympic gold in women’s foil.
12. Emese Szász
- Titles: Olympic gold medalist.
- Team: Hungary.
- Fun facts: Won gold in the women’s individual sabre at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
- Life story: An outstanding representative of Hungarian fencing, she has won the hearts of many fans with her determination and skill.
13. Tatiana Logunova
- Titles: Olympic gold medalist.
- Team: Russia.
- Fun facts: Won gold in the women’s team sabre at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
- Life story: Contributed significantly to the success of the Russian fencing team, demonstrating exceptional sabre skills.
14. Nikolayeva
- Titles: Olympic gold medalist.
- Team: Russia.
- Fun facts: Won gold in the women’s team foil at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
- Life story: One of the pioneers of Russian women’s fencing, she played a key role in winning gold medals for her team.
15. Laura Flessel
- Titles: Olympic gold medalist.
- Team: France.
- Fun facts: Won gold in the women’s team foil at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
- Life story: One of the most emblematic figures in French fencing, inspiring generations of fencers with her skill and passion for the sport.
16. Sandra Sassine
- Titles: Olympic bronze medalist.
- Team: Canada.
- Fun facts: First Canadian fencer to win an Olympic medal.
- Life story: Overcame challenges and distinguished herself as one of Canada’s leading fencers, leaving an inspiring legacy for future generations.
17. Sada Jacobson
- Titles: Olympic silver and bronze medalist.
- Team: United States.
- Fun facts: First US fencer to be ranked number one in the world in sabre.
- Life story: One of the most talented and charismatic fencers in American history, breaking barriers and achieving international success.
18. Olga Velichko
- Titles: Olympic silver medalist.
- Team: Russia.
- Fun facts: Won silver in the women’s foil team at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
- Life story: Contributed to the rich tradition of Russian fencing, demonstrating exceptional skills on the foil and competing at a high level.
19. Zhong Man
- Titles: Olympic silver medalist.
- Team: China.
- Fun facts: Won silver in the women’s individual foil at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
- Life story: An outstanding representative of Chinese fencing, she has become one of the country’s most respected fencers and a strong international competitor.
20. Olena Khomrova
- Titles: Olympic bronze medalist.
- Team: Ukraine.
- Fun facts: Won bronze in the women’s sabre team at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
- Life story: Contributed to the success of the Ukrainian fencing team, showing exceptional sabre skills and competing at a high level.
The 20 best female fencers of all time
- Valentina Vezzali
- Mariel Zagunis
- Laura Flessel-Colovic
- Elisa Di Francisca
- Olga Kharlan
- Yana Egorian
- Sofiya Velikaya
- Anita Blaze
- Elena Jemayeva
- Inna Deriglazova
- Lee Kiefer
- Emese Szász
- Tatiana Logunova
- Nikolayeva
- Laura Flessel
- Sandra Sassine
- Sada Jacobson
- Olga Velichko
- Zhong Man
- Olena Khomrova
The 20 best female fencers of all time
Knowing and recognizing the 20 best women fencers of all time is more than simply celebrating their achievements. It is an affirmation of the importance of gender equality in sport, highlighting the talent, skill and determination of women in a discipline historically dominated by men.
These fencers have not only won titles and medals, but have also challenged stereotypes, paved the way for future generations of athletes and inspired girls all over the world to pursue their dreams, regardless of the barriers they may face.
If you enjoyed learning about the 20 best women fencers of all time, take the opportunity to check out our other content on fencing and many other sports! Don’t forget to leave your comments too!
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