Fencing > Day by Day Recap

The men's sabre team had consecutive heartbreaking losses in Athens in 2004, losing back-to-back 45-44 matches to finish 4th. It nearly happened again in 2008, but this time Keeth Smart won the ninth bout in consecutive matches to give the U.S. two 45-44 wins and a spot in the final. The team eventually lost to France and finished second.

The American women's foil team did not do so well in the individual competition: each member lost in the round of 32. But the team competition was a time of redemption as the U.S. won the silver, which is the first women's team foil medal for America in Olympic history.

France won the men's team epee competition, defeating favorite Italy in the semifinals and underdog Poland in the final. The competition was marred by injuries, as individual gold medalist Matteo Tagliarol of Italy hurt his leg and France's Jerome Jeannet hurt his hand.

The American women's sabre team attempted to follow up on its impressive Day 1 individual medals sweep by winning gold in the team competition. But the heavy favorites finished third, losing in the semis to Ukraine, the eventual winner.

Individual competition concluded with a full schedule as both men's individual foil and women's individual epee were held on Day 5. The German's swept both golds - Britta Heidemann in epee and Benjamin Kleibrink in foil.

China's Zhong Man won the men's individual sabre competition, in a tournament that saw numerous upsets - the highest seed to reach the semis was No. 10 (Zhong).

Italy's Maria Valentina Vezzali made history when she won her third gold in individual foil. Italy found success for the second day in a row as the Italians took the gold and bronze in foil.

Matteo Tagliariol of Italy won the men's individual epee competition to give the Italians their first fencing medal of the Games. Italy would go on to win the total fencing medal count.

The U.S. women's sabre team of Mariel Zagunis, Sada Jacobson and Becca Ward swept the individual competition, giving America its first medals of the Games. It was the beginning of what was to be a record-setting performance, as America hauled in six fencing medals for the Olympics.