LAUSANNE, Switz., Feb. 15, 2021—The FIE is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Jean-Claude Blondeau, an FIE Member of Honour (2007) and FIE Hall of Fame member (2014). Born on June 15, 1934 in Rueil-Malmaison, France, he served as a member of the FIE Executive Committee (1996-2004), as FIE Secretary-Treasurer (1996-2000) and on the FIE Scale of Votes Commission (1988-1996). In recent years, he participated actively in the 2018 FIE Congress in Paris and the FIE 105th Anniversary at the Grand Palais.
Mr. Blondeau’s academic background included a degree in management from the Business School of Paris before working in various financial services positions including being chief accountant and financial director for Bull SA, a group of French companies specialized in computer science.
Jean-Claude Blondeau was a lifelong member of the world fencing family with a deep passion for the sport. He took part in the Military World Championships and was a recipient of the French Gold Medal of Youth and Sport decoration. He was the French Fencing Federation (FFE) Deputy Secretary-General from 1981 to 1984 and FFE Vice-President from 1984 to 1996. He was licensed in the FFE since 1947, a fencing club president from 1971 to 1979 and president of the Versailles Fencing League from 1981 to 2004. He was a founding member of the Île-de-France Ouest Fencing League in 1977, and then became its honorary president.
Jean-Claude Blondeau devoted himself selflessly to fencing and to the FIE, inspired by the purest sporting spirit and his willingness to contribute to the development of his beloved sport and community.
On behalf of our world fencing family, the FIE extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Blondeau’s family and friends, as well as the French Fencing Federation and European Fencing Confederation during this challenging time.
