A rematch of the Tokyo 2020 final saw the same result with strong performances from both teams.
The foil team of Oliver Lam-Watson, Piers Gilliver and Dimitri Coutya took a third GBR medal in three days, taking silver against the world number one team China, who have won every team foil gold since the discipline was introduced to the Paralympics in 2012.
After GBR beat Brazil 45-17 in the quarterfinals, and then silenced the home crowd in Paris by thumping France 45-25, the stage was set for a rematch of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games final – as well as, among others, the final of the Cardiff 2024 World Cup . But the Chinese team, once again, came out on top, 45-34. Great Britain’s men, however, gave an impressive account against their tactically aware opponents.
GBR had a dream start with the first three bouts, leading 15-12 and with China looking cowed. A superb bout from Ollie saw him put in five points against Feng Yanke, living up to the setting that Piers and Dimitri set for him. Unfortunately Dimitri than had a difficult bout against veteran Cat A fencer Sun Gang where the Chinese athlete took ten points in a row.
It pivoted the match. China took the lead from the fifth relay, and took care to slow the match down, carefully working out what the British team were doing. A gutsy last rotation from Piers pulled a few points back, but the match was set.
However, no one could have made China work harder. “In the team events in fencing, every match is different. Different opponent, combinations, there’s some where you can do better than others. It’s always an interesting dynamic.” said Piers.
“We were able to come out strong in the first few, then some of the guys I struggle with I fenced later on, and the last match was the toughest.”
While silver isn’t a downgrade on Tokyo, the defeat was still raw for Dimitri Coutya. “It was a tough loss, but honestly I’m so proud. We put so much work into this and it was a very good performance, even if we didn’t win the match.” he said afterwards.
“I’m so proud of us and this team and the work that we’ve put in. It means a lot to us to still come away with a medal.”
“The enjoyment I’ve had from today, especially fencing alongside these guys, is something that I’m taking into tomorrow and just trying to enjoy what I do. I spend so much time, we all spend so much time, sacrificing a lot, trying to get better at this, and I’m just looking to put in a consistent performance tomorrow in such an incredible environment.”
“Silver always feels a bit bittersweet, it’s winning a medal but losing a gold.” said Ollie. “We left it all on the piste but it was a real struggle. They just bested us on the day. It’s still an incredible medal to show for all the work we put in.”
The competition continues with the epee individual finals on Friday and concludes with the epee team events on Saturday.
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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