Fencing Is One of Only Five Sports in Every Modern Olympics

When the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896, the organizers selected sports that represented core pillars of physical prowess and tradition. A small, elite group of five disciplines—athletics, cycling, gymnastics, swimming, and fencing—made the cut and have maintained their place in every Summer Games since. Fencing's inclusion was a nod to its deep roots in European history, evolving from deadly duels into a sophisticated "art of defense" that tested an athlete's strategy, reflexes, and precision.

For its first few decades in the Olympics, fencing bouts were decided by a panel of four judges who watched for a "touche," or a valid hit. This system was notoriously prone to human error and disputes, as the speed of the weapons often made contact difficult to see. A fencer could land a clear hit that a judge might miss, leading to controversial outcomes. This subjectivity threatened the sport's competitive integrity on the world's biggest stage.

To solve this problem, technology came to the rescue. Beginning with the épée weapon in the 1930s, an electronic scoring system was introduced that revolutionized the sport. Fencers were connected to a scoring box via a body cord, and their weapons were fitted with a spring-loaded tip. When the tip presses against the opponent's valid target area with sufficient force, it completes an electrical circuit, instantly activating a light and an audible signal. This innovation removed ambiguity, ensuring that a point was awarded for the hit, not the judge's perception of it.