LAUSANNE, Switz., April 7, 2025 – The FIE is saddened to learn of the passing of Ryszard Szczepański, M.D. (POL) on April 1, 2025. He was a member of the FIE Medical Commission from 2000-2004 and 2008-2012, and participated in numerous FIE Congresses.
Dr. Szczepański was a medical delegate to the Veteran Fencing World Championships (2002, 2003, 2009), Chair of the FIE Medical Sub-Commission on Epidemiology (2001-2004) and in 2009 authored a report on biomechanical and neuromuscular causes of injury.
A member of the Polish Fencing Federation Board, Dr. Szczepański served for many years as the official Federation physician. He was a surgeon and specialist in sports medicine, responsible for the Polish national team from 1996-2008, notably providing medical supervision for World and European Fencing Championships. His published works included topics addressing athlete injuries as well as the use of prohibited substances in sports.
The FIE extends its sincere condolences for their loss to Ryszard Szczepański’s family and friends, the Polish Fencing Federation and the European Fencing Confederation, and expresses its deepest sympathy during this difficult time.