COMPETITIONS' HISTORY

We can divide the history of European Championships on three parts.

1. EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS THAT BECAME WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

First European Championship took place in 1921 in Paris (France). In was held only in individual epee, and the first one to win the title of European Champion was Frenchman Lucien Gaudin. The next year the fencers fought in individual sabre and epee, but in different places. Sabreurs' competitions were held at Oostende (Belgium); epeeists once again met in Paris. At the beginning the tournaments were irregular - only since 1926 they took place in one town and in all types of weapon.

1929 was the first year for team competitions (in men's foil) and for women participation. Since 1930 European Championship fencers fought for complete set of seven medals. Men - in individual and team epee, sabre and foil; women - in individual foil. In 1932 were added women team foil competitions. At that time European Championships had obviously become World Championships, because fencers from other continents started to take part in them. But official status of this situation was fixed in 1937. That year was "the birthday" of Fencing World Championship. Later FIE officially recognized the tournaments, held in 1921-1937, as World Championships.

2. RENAISSANCE FAILURE

An attempt to revive European Championship as a separate tournament had been made at early 1980s. At the period of 1981-1983 there were three competitions, in which men fought in individual epee, sabre and foil; women - in individual foil. But these tournaments couldn't draw the attention of the strongest athletes and quickly came to an end.

3. ATTAINTMENT OF AUTHORITY

At early 90-s the competition called "European Championship" appeared again. And once again almost failed. First competition included 10 fencing events: men and women individual and team epee and foil; men individual and team sabre. But it appeared to be too difficult to hold so large-scaled tournaments, and team competitions were declined. Six Championships in succession the medals were played only in individual events. Only in 1998 team competitions returned in the schedule.

Now days European Championship consists of 12 events - men and women individual and team epee, sabre and foil. And, with no doubts, this competition at least could return lost authority and take deserved place in international fencing calendar.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS