Fencing stands as Hungary’s most triumphant Olympic sport. Prior to Paris 2024, the nation had secured 90 medals in fencing, including 38 golds, out of its total 521 Olympic medals. This remarkable achievement places Hungary third in the all-time fencing medal count, surpassed only by France and Italy.
The current Hungarian women’s fencing team is poised to carry forward this illustrious legacy. With a history of clinching multiple international medals, they are laser-focused on securing more podium positions in Paris, aiming to join the nation’s pantheon of fencing legends.
“When I put on the mask and they say ‘Pre Alle,’ I’m only focusing on the opponent,” says Luca Szucs, the team’s youngest member. “I’m trying to shut down everything. It’s only me and the opponent, and I think that is the key because I can think after every touch.”
An Olympic debutant, Szucs will showcase her lightning-fast saber skills alongside her three teammates, all seasoned Olympians. Liza Pusztai, a saber gold medalist at the Summer Youth Olympics and a two-time team World Championship winner, brings a fiery spirit and electrifying style. Even she feels the anticipation building: “I’m a little bit nervous, but I’m looking forward to it because we’ve been working really hard for this moment, and maybe we can get a medal.”
Sugár Battai is a senior member of the team, with multiple European and World Championship titles. She also competed at Tokyo 2020 alongside team captain Anna Márton. Yet, experience hasn’t diminished her excitement. “I wake up feeling great and excited about the competition. Instead of pressure, our World Championship wins motivate us,” she insists. “As a young team, we’re proving our potential, and I’m hopeful we’ll stay focused and perform well at the Olympics.”
The team believes their secret weapon is the strength of their camaraderie. Having trained, fought, and celebrated together since childhood, they share a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. As Pusztai puts it, “I’m pretty sure we couldn’t have won two World Championships titles if we weren’t this close.”
They have already been in action on the Paris piste, taking part in the individual saber events. Szucs reached the quarter-finals, as did Márton—who had to edge out her teammate Pusztai in the previous round. But when they assemble for the team event, they will be united in their goal and determined to add another glorious chapter to Hungary’s proud fencing legacy.
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The women's fencing team aiming to add to Hungary's historic legacy
cgtn.com
