Fencing, one of only four sports played in every Summer Olympic Games since the Modern Olympics began. Modern fencing, based on an ancient duel to the death, employs protective clothing to keep competitors safe from the tips on the three types of fencing weapons used in the sport. Individuals use the weapons – the foil, épée, and sabre – to score hits against an opponent. During bouts, competitors feint, lunge, parry, and riposte to earn points against one another. Upon scoring a hit, the offensive opponent yells the iconic phrase, "Touché!"

Fencing, traditionally considered a sport for men, did not include female competitors at the first Modern Games, but today both men and women compete. Bouts are conducted on a 14 meter (46 foot) by 2 meter (6.6 foot) strip of land said to replicate the confined quarters in which sword duels often took place in ancient times, such as the halls of a castle. Competitors wear all-white suits because ink blots transferred to the opponents’ suit by a wad of ink-soaked cotton on the tip of a blade were used for scoring purposes before the electronic system used today was developed.

The three types of weapons, while all similar in shape and appearance, vary in several ways, both in weight and use by the bearer. Professional fencers typically specialize in using only one of the three swords. The foil, a very light thrusting weapon, can only be used on the torso of an opponent; the épée, a heavy thrusting weapon, earns the offensive opponent points when used anywhere on the body; finally, the sabre, a light thrusting and cutting weapon, can be used anywhere above the waist with the exception of the hands and the back of the head.

Fencing, like many other Olympic events, is popular among Chicagoans as both a sport and a recreational activity. Clubs have been founded and built entirely around this single sport, including Windy City Fencing, a club that trains members of all ages and skill levels in the use of the épée. In one year alone (2007-2008 season), the club produced eight nationally ranked fencers and members earned dozens of medals at various competitions around the country.

One of the USA memorable moments at the Beijing 2008 Olympics included the USA Women's sweep of Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal in Sabre.

To view more Fencing photos, please visit our Flickr page.