LAUSANNE, Switz., Oct. 15, 2025 – The FIE is saddened to learn of the passing of Camilo Bory Barrientos (CUB) on Sept. 28 and born in Santiago de Cuba on October 28, 1971. An epee fencer, he competed with the Cuban national team for almost two decades and participated in more than 80 international competitions, and won the gold medal in men’s team epee at the 1993 World University Games in Buffalo, New York, USA.
In all, Barrientos earned 27 national and more than 40 international medals. He won five Pan American Games titles both individually and in team events, three gold medals at the Central American Games and seven World Cup medals.
In 2008, as part of an agreement between the Cuban Fencing Federation and the Italian Fencing Federation, Barrientos relocated to Taranto, Italy, where he trained and coached children and teens at the Taranto Fencing Club until the time of his passing.
The Cuban Fencing Federation stated, “Camilo was a very important athlete for us, and he will be missed and appreciated by Cuban Fencing. We cherished all of his achievements and contributions, we have lost another great athlete from our federation.”
A statement from the Taranto Fencing Club said he was “…a mentor, teacher and guide for the hundreds of young people privileged to have known him…his passion for fencing spurred the growth of an entire sports community, instilling values of respect, commitment and loyalty”.
The Italian Fencing Federation, in a statement mourning his passing, quoted Barrientos from a previous interview, saying, “In the gym, we are united, we work together and in peace. We put in the effort and enthusiasm, and that's how we move forward. Like a family.”
The FIE extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Camilo Bory Barrientos, the Cuban Fencing Federation, the Pan American Fencing Confederation and the Italian Fencing Federation, and expresses its deepest sympathy to them at this difficult time.