Fencing: Man Wai Vivian Kong Wins Women’s Epee Individual Gold; France’s Mallo-Breton Takes Silver at Paris 2024

Fencing: Man Wai Vivian Kong Wins Women’s Epee Individual Gold; France’s Mallo-Breton Takes Silver at Paris 2024

In a thrilling conclusion to the women’s fencing epee individual event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Man Wai Vivian Kong of Hong Kong, China, clinched the gold medal with a decisive final hit, securing a 13-12 victory in overtime against France’s Auriane Mallo-Breton. This historic win marks Hong Kong’s first-ever Olympic medal in fencing.

The dramatic match saw Kong mount a remarkable comeback from a 7-1 deficit to tie the score at 12-12, forcing the bout into sudden death. Kong’s victory brought tears of joy as she reflected on her achievement. “I’m happy – being able to fence in this palace has always been my dream. I love Paris,” she said.

First place! 🥇

Kong Man Wai Vivian clinches #gold for Hong Kong, China in fencing women's épée individual! 🇭🇰

It's their first medal of #Paris2024 and their first-ever medal in women's fencing! 🤺@FIE_fencing | #Fencing#Paris2024 | #Samsung | #TogetherforTomorrow pic.twitter.com/KCX3IJqSdj

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 27, 2024

Kong explained her strategic change in the match, stating, “I was using the same epee through all my bouts, but Auriane was my first left-handed opponent so I decided to use a different epee. I was out of solutions.” She also praised her opponent, saying, “She’s an amazing fencer.”

Eszter Muhari of Hungary secured the bronze medal, completing the podium.

On the same day, South Korea’s Oh Sanguk won gold in the men’s sabre individual event, defeating Tunisia’s Fares Ferjani, while Italian Luigi Samele took bronze. The victory for Kong and other Asian fencers highlighted a successful day for the region at the Games.

Fencing: women’s epee individual

Gold: Man Wai Vivian Kong, Hong Kong, China
Silver: Auriane Mallo-Breton, France
Bronze: Eszter Muhari, Hungary

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