LAUSANNE, Switz., April 20, 2020—The FIE is saddened to be informed of the passing of Antonio Melo (VEN) on April 17 in Madrid, Spain from complications related to COVID-19. Mr. Melo, born on Jan. 21, 1948, was a member of the FIE Veterans’ Council.
Mr. Melo was vice president of the Venezuelan Fencing Federation from 1981 to 1983 and had also been a national referee in foil and epee. He represented veterans’ interests on the national federation board, initiating, developing and organizing veteran competitions throughout the country.
In addition to competing on the Venezuelan national team in sabre B veteran competitions, Mr. Melo served as a member of the national delegation to the Pan American Youth and Veteran Championships in Costa Rica 2013 and Aruba 2014, the 2015 South American Youth and Veteran Championships in Caracas, Venezuela as well as the 2015 Veteran Fencing World Championships in Limoges, France.
“[Mr. Melo] was always happy, always active, a brother, a great friend, a father for many of us”, the Venezuelan Federation stated. “His energy will always be present in every competition, his seed sown in that category more than ever will be multiplied.”
On behalf of our world fencing family, we extend deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Melo’s family, fencers and friends; the Venezuelan Fencing Federation; and the Pan American Fencing Confederation during this difficult period.