Paris 2024 fencing: All results, as Japan displays pinpoint precision to win gold in men’s team foil
Japan were accurate and determined during the men’s team foil final in fencing at a packed and noisy Grand Palais, claiming the gold medal after a tight match against Italy on Sunday, 4 August at Olympic Games Paris 2024.
It was a mouth-watering affair as both sides displayed brilliant technique and phenomenal athleticism. However, it was the precision and determination of Shikine Takahiro, Iimura Kazuki, Matasuyama Kyosuke and Nagano Yudai that led Japan to a gold medal with a 45-36 win over the Italians.
“We still can't believe what we achieved today,” said Matsuyama. “This means a lot for the future of fencing in Japan, and I hope that in the next Olympics and in the future, many more Japanese will take up fencing and win more medals."
Japan got off to a sensational start, with Shikine lodging a 5-3 victory over Tommaso Marini in the first period. Iimura built on his lead, adding a further touch against Guillaume Bianchi.
Italy was not to be taken lightly, however, as Filippo Macchi delivered a 7-5 victory over Matasuyama in the third period. His victory swung the momentum in Italy’s direction, with Bianchi overcoming a one-touch loss in the second period to beat Shikine 6-3 in the fourth period.
A tied period between Marini and Matsuyama saw Italy retain the lead, but Japan was about to take it up a notch.
Iimura entered the piste for the second time in the match, and it would be a memorable minute. He decimated Macchi’s defence, delivering touches with precision and poise. His dominance was rewarded with a four-touch swing, giving Japan a two-touch lead heading into the final three periods.
Bianchi would recover a touch in the seventh period, but it would prove futile by the end of the match.
The eighth period brought a copious helping of drama, as both Italy and Japan elected to use their substitute fencers. Alessio Foconi entered the piste for Italy, while Nagano Yudai took over duties for Japan.
It would be a definitive switch, as Nagano scored a shoutout victory over Foconi, adding five touches to Japan’s lead.
Try as he might, the deficit was too severe for Marini to overcome in the final period. He faced an impeccable Iimura, who won his third period of the match to seal victory for Japan.
Matsuyama summed up the experience, saying, "It's an amazing venue, this is my second Olympic Games, but at Tokyo 2020 there were no crowds, so to be here and hear people cheering for us and for everybody else, what a feeling. I really enjoyed this competition."
The French team of Enzo Lefort, Maxime Pauty and Maximilien Chastanet could certainly feel the atmosphere during their bronze-medal match against the United States. They emerged victorious, winning the bronze medal match 45-32.
"We’re happy. We have done our job, and we’ll be able to join the party,” said Lefort.
It was the perfect ending to a week of spectacular fencing at Paris 2024.
Fencing: Men’s team foil podium
Gold: Japan
Silver: Italy
Bronze: France
See all the results on Olympics.com