Koki Kano Clinches Historic Epee Gold as Lee Kiefer Defends Foil Title
Koki Kano made history for Japan by becoming the nation’s first individual epee Olympic champion on Sunday, defeating France’s Yannick Borel 15-9. Meanwhile, American Lee Kiefer successfully defended her women’s foil title.
Kano, 26, who already holds a team gold from the Tokyo 2020 Games, faced a spirited French crowd at the Grand Palais. Despite the home support for 35-year-old Borel, chants of “Yannick Yannick” and the dramatic entry down the grand staircase, Kano maintained control.
Initially, Borel stayed close, but Kano gradually pulled ahead, securing an 8-4 lead. The crowd’s efforts to rally Borel, including rhythmic foot drumming, were in vain as Kano dominated, reaching 12-6 before sealing his victory.
“I’m so happy to win gold in the individual event,” said Kano. “Three years ago in Tokyo I won gold, but it was the team event. I wanted to come here and get gold in the individual and I just did it.”
Egypt’s Mohamed Elsayed claimed the bronze by defeating Hungary’s Tibor Andrasfi. Elsayed celebrated exuberantly, sprinting down the piste and waving the Egyptian flag.
In the women’s foil, Lee Kiefer faced fellow American Lauren Scruggs, triumphing 15-6. Kiefer’s performance was commanding, securing her second consecutive individual title.
“No matter how much I tried to prepare, there’s still so much pressure I put on myself to just fence well and stay present,” Kiefer remarked. “Each day was a rollercoaster, but here we are at the top.”
Canada’s Eleanor Harvey won bronze by defeating Italy’s Alice Volpi in the consolation match.
(Source: AFP)
