RIO DE JANEIRO (August 12) – Russia won the gold medal in men’s team foil on Friday with a 45-41 defeat of France, the country’s first victory in the event in 20 years.
The Russian trio of Artur Akhmatkhuzin, Alexey Cheremisinov and Timur Safin were trailing in the final until bout seven of nine, when Akhmatkhuzin turned it around with a 10-3 victory over France’s Jean-Paul Tony Helissey.
"A lot of people came here to support us, and we are very, very happy and grateful.
Without them, we couldn't do it."
- Timur Safin (RUS)
It was Russia’s sixth fencing medal of the Games and a second for Safin, who won bronze in the individual event.
France, also represented by Erwan Le Pechoux, Enzo Lefort and Jeremy Cadot, claims
silver and a second fencing medal of the Olympics after Gauther Grumier’s bronze in the
men’s individual epee.
"At the moment I feel really disappointed. I have a lot of respect for Olympic history,
so I have to enjoy this moment, enjoy this medal, and after I will figure it out.”
- Jean-Paul Tony Helissey (FRA)
The bronze medal went to the United States, which beat Italy 45-30 in the third-place playoff. The medal winners were Alexander Massialas, who claimed silver in the individual event, Gerek Meinhardt, Miles Chamley-Watson and Race Imboden.
"This is bigger than us. This is something that US Fencing (Association) has pulled
together over years. For the first time, the USA is a powerhouse in fencing. It never
has been before. It's not a fluke anymore.”
- Race Imboden (USA)
CLICK HERE FOR FINAL STANDINGS
MEN’S TEAM FOIL BULLETS:
- China claimed fifth place with a 45-38 victory over Great Britain
- Egypt beat Brazil 45-39 to clinch seventh place
Click here for our complete guide and a list of entrants.
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