Bernard SCHMETZ

Bernard Schmetz was one of the world’s best épée fencers in the 1930s. At the Olympics he won one medal of each color with the team épée: 1928 silver, 1932 gold, 1936 bronze. In addition he won nine medals at World Championships, all in épée fencing. His greatest achievement was the singles title in 1937 and the team title in 1938. He also took silver medals in individual in 1931 and with the team in 1931, 1933 and 1937, as well as bronze medals individually in 1933 and 1938, and with the team in 1930. Schmetz won three consecutive French épée titles from 1930-32. He later founded the fencing section of the Racing Club de France and was Vice-Chairman of the French Fencing Federation. In 2008, he was awarded the title “Glory of Sport”.