LAUSANNE, Switz., March 26, 2025 – The FIE is saddened to learn of the passing of Souhail Ayoub (LBN), also known as Souhail Saad, born on February 19, 1934 in Chiah, Beirut. Until his passing on January 9, 2025, at the age of 91 he was renowned as the oldest active fencer in the world and still competing nationally and internationally, “with remarkable energy and passion”, according to a statement from the Lebanese Fencing Federation. He competed in foil at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games, and at age 86 fenced in the 2019 Cairo Veteran Fencing World Championships in 70+ men’s foil, where he reached the elimination rounds.
As late as last year, Ayoub was preparing to compete in the 2024 UAE Veteran Fencing World Championships, which he unfortunately missed for personal reasons.
Ayoub earned numerous accolades and medals at national and Arabic Championships, coached weekly at leading clubs in Lebanon and was an inspiration to many generations of fencers.
“His lifelong dedication to fencing remains an enduring example of resilience, longevity and sporting excellence”, the Federation said.
The FIE extends its sincere condolences for their loss to Souhail Ayoub’s family and friends, the Lebanese Fencing Federation and the Asian Fencing Confederation, and expresses its deepest sympathy during this difficult time.