Swiss swordsmen narrowly missed the feat at the World Cup in Bern on Sunday. Under the leadership of the president of the federation Max Heinzer, the Helvetians finished 5th.
In the team competition, the quartet of Lucas Malcotti, Alexis Bayard, Ian Hauri and Hadrien Favre lost 40-37 in the quarterfinals against France, 23 times world champions and second in the world rankings. But thanks to two victories against Kazakhstan and Poland, the Swiss finished in a solid 5th place. On the other hand, no athlete passed the first main round individually.
As Swiss Fencing is still looking for a new national coach, the team was led by Max Heinzer, current president of the federation and former top fencer who retired this summer. By the start of next year, a long-term solution must be found for the Olympic cycle until the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Women should be present next year
There are also already plans to expand the tournament next year. For 2025, women are expected to participate in the tournament for the first time. The organizers are currently awaiting a positive decision from the International Federation, which could support Swiss Fencing in this important and inclusive approach.
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