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Fencing
Wheelchair Fencing is an exciting, dynamic and fast paced Paralympic sport. It is played by two athletes either as an individual event or as part of a team.
Unlike non-disabled fencing, wheelchair fencing is static; the fencers are clamped to the piste using a metal frame. Beyond this, the sport is largely similar to its non-disabled counterpart. Modified swords; foil, epee and sabre, are used to score points on specific areas on the body, depending on the weapon type.
The sport of Wheelchair Fencing is governed by the IWAS (International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation) and they support its development around the world, ensure the rules are applied, involve athletes and help wheelchair fencing evolve.
The sport was developed by the father of the Paralympic Movement, Sir Ludwig Guttmann at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. It is one of the original Paralympic sports having appeared on the programme at the first Games in Rome, Italy, in 1960.
Photo credit: Stoke Mandeville Stadium Archive (WheelPower)
ParalympicsGB Wheelchair Fencers Piers Gilliver and Dimitri Coutya explain their sport:
In order to compete in fencing at the Paralympic Games athletes must compete while sitting in a wheelchair. Athletes who have had a spinal cord injury (quadriplegic and paraplegic), athletes with lower leg amputations, athletes with cerebral palsy and athletes with other physical disabilities which require the use of a wheelchair are all eligible to compete in wheelchair fencing.
Fencers must meet the minimum disability criteria and be classifiable under the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing classification rules.
There are three classes:
Discover how to get involved in Wheelchair Fencing by visiting the British Fencing Website or email: headoffice@britishfencing.com
If you are currently not active, have a look at how you can start:
View all wheelchair sports
