Foil Team Finish Sixth After Quarterfinal Loss to Russia

Great Britain’s Men’s Foil Team, James-Andrew Davis, Laurence Halsted, Richard Kruse and Marcus Mepstead (reserve) finished sixth at the Rio Olympic Games today, after losing 45-43 to Russia in the quarterfinal.

The whole team took part in the fight with Russia as Mepstead replaced Kruse in the later stages, putting in a great performance.  Despite this and a great fightback, Russia went on to win 45-43.

In the placings matches, Great Britain beat Egypt 45-35 before losing 45-38 to China and thus finished sixth.

British Fencing’s Performance Director, Alex Newton, said; “The boys fenced brilliantly against Russia but unfortunately some key decisions by the referee meant an uphill battle to win the fight.  As a result we are disappointed that we could not repay UK Sport and the National Lottery with a medal for the support they have provided over the last four years.  Losing to the eventual Olympic Champions does not make the result any easier.”

“This has been a roller coaster of a four years with a huge amount of work from a dedicated and committed support staff team and they deserve such great credit.  We have for the first time in over half a century had our best result at an Olympic Games and we hope that this inspires the next generation of fencers.”

Georgina Usher, Chief Executive of British Fencing added; “The match against Russia was watched up and down the country as the team battled valiantly against the Russians. In the face of a hard draw and tough refereeing decisions the team were a credit to themselves and the nation. 

As the Fencing event concludes in Rio, British Fencing pays tribute to the families, personal coaches, clubs and other members of the fencing community that have helped and supported our athletes over the years.

Russia came from behind in the final against France to take the title 45-41 in an exciting final.  The USA took the bronze medal beating Italy 45-31.

There are two more days of competition in the fencing venue before the season officially close.