The world will turn its eyes to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from August 5 to 21, 2016 as they host the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. More than 10,500 athletes from 206 countries – including Kosovo and South Sudan for the first time – are expected to compete for 306 sets of medals in 28 sports.
Fencing has been competed at every Summer Olympics since 1896 and women’s fencing has been competed since 1924. There are three forms of Olympic fencing: foil, a light thrusting weapon; epee – a heavy thrusting weapon; and sabre – a light cutting and thrusting weapon. Canada has sent competitors to 19 Summer Olympics in fencing but has never won a medal. Best performances were fourth place finishes in team epee competitions in 1984 and 2004.