Géo Buchard

Géo Buchard competed in boxing, tennis and swimming as a youth, but began fencing at the age of 17 in Le Havre, then perfected his technique in the barracks of the 129th Infantry Regiment. He won his first French championship in 1925 and a second in 1927. Buchard participated in the World Championships (although at that time only Europeans participated) and became champion in 1927, 1931 and 1933 in individual épée and in 1934 and 1935 with the team épée. From 1924-36 he took part in four Olympic Games winning two gold, three silver and one bronze medal, always in épée fencing. Buchard was famous for the exceptional precision of his tip, his sense of distance and observation of the encounter. In 1999, he was awarded the title “Glory of Sport” by the International Federation of French Sport. The city of Le Havre also paid tribute to its champion by naming the armory after him.