Fencing at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games heralded the dawn of a new era with up and coming Fencing powerhouses challenging Europe's traditional dominance. The United States and countries from Asia claimed one third of all possible medals across 10 events at the Fencing Hall.
Women's Competition
Maria Valentina Vezzali from Italy made Olympic Fencing history on Day 3 of competition when the foil specialist confirmed her World No. 1 status by adding another Women's Individual Foil title to her resume. Vezzali is the first fencer in history to have won three individual gold medals at three consecutive Olympic Games: in Sydney 2000, in Athens 2004, and at Beijing 2008.
Vezzali out-fenced Nam Hyun-hee of the Republic of Korea, who became the first female fencer from her country to win an Olympic Fencing medal. Bronze went to another Italian fencer Margherita Granbassi.
In Women's Team Foil, Italy was again one of the favorites but finished with a bronze medal behind surprise silver medalists the United States. Russia took the gold.
Britta Heidemann from Germany followed through as the favorite in Women's Individual Epee by defeating China's Li Na in the semifinal and Romanian Ana Maria Branza for silver. Bronze medalist Ildiko Mincza-Nebald was also able to maintain Hungary's podium tradition, strong since Women's Individual Epee made its Olympic debut in 1996 at Atlanta.
Mariel Zagunis from the United States led a US podium sweep in Women's Individual Sabre. Zagunis repeated her Athens 2004 Olympic victory by defeating teammate Sada Jacobson. Becca Ward completed the US sweep with bronze.
After two Olympic editions of Women's Individual Sabre, the United States has won five from a possible six medals, demonstrating their growing Fencing prowess.
Sabre fencer Azza Besbes from Tunisia also became the first African fencer to progress to the Individual Sabre quarterfinals at an Olympic Games before falling to Becca Ward 15-14 in her quarterfinal bout.
Gold in Women's Team Sabre didn't go to the United States, who finished in third place, but to Ukraine. Ukraine defeated China to put its name in the history books by winning gold at the event's debut at the Olympics.