RIO DE JANEIRO (August 9) – World No. 21 Park Sangyoung (KOR) won the Olympic gold medal in the men’s individual epee on Tuesday, rallying from four points down to beat world champion Geza Imre (HUN).
Fighting an opponent more than twice his age, Park appeared to be overawed on sport’s greatest stage, and was on the brink of defeat at 14-10.
But an outstanding comeback saw the Korean claim an startling victory, denying Imre what would have been an incredible Olympic gold.
"The Olympics are one of the biggest sporting events in the whole world and I tried to
take over his [Imre’s] weaknesses. It was impressive to win after being behind."
- Sangyoung PARK (KOR)
Park’s previous best results were the silver medal in this year’s Asian championships and two Grand Prix wins in the 2013-14 season.
With the silver, Imre, who was competing in his fifth Olympics, has the distinction of being fencing’s oldest individual medallist since 1952. He also won Olympic silver with Hungary in the team event in Athens 2004.
"He changed tactics at the end, because he never touched my weapon for the whole
match. But after he changed it, and he touched my point I couldn't do nothing."
- Geza Imre (HUN)
The bronze medal was won by world No. 1 Gauthier Grumier (FRA), who fought off a
courageous comeback from world No. 13 Benjamin Steffen (SUI) to win by a score of 15-11.
"I devoted my life to an Olympic medal and I have it so I'm really happy. I was
confident in myself for winning that last match … so I'm really, really happy."
- Gauthier Grumier (FRA)
CLICK HERE FOR FINAL STANDINGS
MEN’S INDIVIDUAL ÉPÉE BULLETS:
- Defending champion Ruben Limardo Gascon (VEN) lost to world No. 17 Ayman Fayez (EGY) 15-5 in the second round.
- World No. 2 Enrico Garozzo (ITA) was defeated by Park Sangyoung, the world No 21, in the table of 16 by a score of 15-12.
- World No. 4 Bogdan Nikishin (UKR) was beaten 15-14 in the last 16 by Benjamin Steffen (SUI).
- European champion and world No. 5 Yannick Borel (FRA) lost in the quarterfinals to Benjamin Steffen (SUI) 15-10.
- World No. 6 Daniel Jerent (FRA) was eliminated in round two at the hands of Francisco Limardo (VEN) by a score of 15-14.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10 AT CARIOCA ARENA 3
The action continues on Wednesday with the women's individual foil and men’s individual sabre.
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