The world number one produced the result he had always dreamed of against reigning world champion Feng Yanke.
Dimitri Coutya took the individual Paralympic foil title at Paris 2024, beating Feng Yanke of China, 15-7, on the second day of competition.
“It hasn’t really sunk in. I’m just about managing to breathe at the moment. It’s something I’ve wanted for so long, and I’ve been working for so many years now.” he said.
“After the disappointment in Tokyo… I really wanted that gold and it’s something that I’ve dedicated my life to for the last few years.”
Foil is Dimitri’s best weapon, and after beating Kingmanaw of Thailand 15-5 and Serozhenko of Ukraine 15-4, Coutya was up against a formidable – and familiar – opponent for the final; Feng Yanke of China, going for his third Cat B foil title in a row after wins in both Rio and Tokyo.
Feng, seeded sixth, had not had too much trouble getting to the last two, easing past compatriot Daoling Hu, 15-9 in the semi. Feng had also already won the individual sabre B competition last night – a much extended day which may have sapped his energy somewhat.
It was perhaps the expected matchup for the gold final, and Coutya led from the off, continuously probing and attacking, not giving his opponent thinking time, putting the pressure on, combining sharp attacks with killer defence. The combination, and the variety, perfectly executed, flummoxed the Chinese athlete.
It was a win forged from relentless, consistent, intelligent fencing. “[Feng] had perfect distance control, and I know his speed. So I knew I had to be spot on with how I set myself up to give myself the right timing to make those hits.” said Coutya.
“Whether I was attacking, defending or counter attacking, I basically always was looking at where he was to try and really set myself up for the best possible opportunity to score the hit.”
Both were twitchy and received cards for starting early, and Feng Yanke also retained his repertoire of fake attacks and parry ripostes. But by the break, he seemed rattled, with Coutya leading 8-4 and looking increasingly in control of the fight.
In the second half, Feng was failing to land hits he normally might have, and appeared bereft of ideas. It was soon over, and Coutya was the Paralympic champion.
“Fencing… it’s been something that I’ve dedicated my life to, especially for the last few years. It’s been all I thought about, especially after Tokyo. I really wanted that gold medal, so I really dedicated the last few years to making that happen.” said Dimitri.
“The work that I’ve been putting in for the last few years about being as consistent as possible and my final match, I’m proud to say, was my most consistent of the day.We all helped each other – coaches, friends, family, athletes. So much has gone into this. Looking into the crowd tonight and seeing so many familiar faces, coming and supporting me – I can’t believe how lucky I am.”
Oliver Lam Watson started in the last 16 of the Cat A men’s foil but unfortunately came up against favourite Sun Gang of China, who would go on to win gold later in the evening. He lost 15-2, sending him into the repechage. Ollie made it through three rounds of the repechage, eventually losing by just a single point to Richard Osvath of Hungary.
“[Osvath] is a really good fencer, and he was just better than me on the day, unfortunately. I thought it was going to go my way at one point. But I’m happy that I could take him to 14. That’s what this is all about. Apart from the medals, it’s about coming here, doing your best and sport at its finest. That’s what I tried to do today. Sometimes it’s not enough, but that’s OK.”
Both Ollie and Piers will be back for the foil team competition tomorrow. “My teammates… they’re brilliant guys and I do my best to keep up with them. I’m looking forward to competing alongside them, getting back on the piste.” said Ollie.
The competition continues with the team foil competition on Thursday, with all three British men – Piers, Dimitri and Ollie – competing.
Pics via imagecomms / Paralympics GB and IWAS
The full competition schedule and results is available here: Wheelchair Fencing Schedule
Read BF’s guide to fencing at the Paralympics: Paralympics Guide
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