Fencing is a sport th=
at reflects
sportsmanship at its best. Chivalrous gestures may be seen before,
during and after each match. The salutes effected before the bout (=
to
the opponent, referee, and the audience) are usually accompanied by=
the
pearly smile of each fencer who is, at this time, visualising victo=
ry
on his or her side. The salute after the bout has finished, deserves
closer attention since the handshake reflects the grace of the winn=
er
and the dignity of his opponent. Sportsmanship is however best
reflected during combat.
A perfect example of a good sportsman is the Swedish fencer Peter
Vanky, who during the final of the World Cup competition in 2003, h=
ad
to fence against the Austrian Christoph Marik.
Halfway through the bout, the referee attributed a touch to Peter V=
anky,
which was also accepted by Marik. In a gentlemanly attitude, howeve=
r,
Peter Vanky pointed out to the referee that the score should not be
awarded to him because he had touched his own leg with his arm.
Finally, Christoph Marik beat Peter Vanky to 1=
5:13 and won the World Cup
competition while Vanky obtained the second place.
From my experience as a fencer, I have learned that when taking par=
t in
a tournament, it is important to compete with all your heart, for y=
ou
are not only representing yourself but also your club, those who gi=
ve
you their support, or if you are given an athlete’s highest
privilege: your country.
In a sport where the clashing of the swords may transport you to
earlier times in which weapons were used to fight for life and hono=
ur,
it is only good sportsmanship that will lead you to a positive outc=
ome.
Although this may not be a victory, it would certainly be a result =
that
would earn you respect and admiration from your opponent and anyone=
who
sees your bout. You win some – you lose some. After all it is
better to accept a loss with style and dignity, than to accept a
victory obtained through wrongful means. There will be always a next
time.