In a gripping showdown for the gold medal in men’s individual foil, Cheung Ka Long, the reigning Olympic champion from Hong Kong, China, successfully defended his title by defeating Filippo Macchi from Italy in a highly contested match.
With the score tied at 14-14, the tension inside the iconic Grand Palais reached its peak as the match entered a sudden-death situation. The video was reviewed, and the judges refrained from awarding the decisive 15th point on two occasions due to disputes over which fencer had won it.
Ultimately, it was Ka Long who emerged victorious, becoming only the third man in history to defend his title in this event.
“It’s unbelievable for me because I put in so much effort every day to compete, to come to Paris, and to qualify for the Olympics. And now, another dream has become a reality,” he exclaimed after clinching the title for the second time.
Despite making his Olympic debut in Paris, Macchi didn’t make it easy for the two-time champion. He took the lead twice and nearly secured victory with a score of 14-12. However, Ka Long made an impressive comeback to claim ultimate victory.
Earlier today, Nick Itkin from the United States secured the bronze medal by defeating Japan’s Iimura Kazuki with a final score of 15-12.
He was amazed by the ambience at the Grand Palais, expressing his admiration: “I have never competed in a better location. The rich history and the genuine passion of the French fans are truly remarkable.
“This is precisely what the sport requires. I am incredibly grateful to the French fans for providing me with the opportunity to compete in front of such an esteemed audience.”
