Famous Italian Fencers

Beatrice Maria Adelaide Marzia Vio, known as Bebe Vio, is a renowned Italian wheelchair fencer. She has achieved significant success in her career, being the European champion in 2014 and 2016, as well as the World champion in 2015 and 2017. Vio has also excelled at the Paralympic Games, winning gold in 2016 and 2020 in the foil B category. Her dedication and skill have solidified her reputation as one of the top athletes in the sport, inspiring many with her achievements and perseverance.

Edoardo Mangiarotti was a renowned Italian fencer who achieved unparalleled success in his sport. Throughout his career, he secured an impressive total of 39 Olympic titles and World championships, a record unmatched by any other fencer in history. His collection of Olympic medals included one individual gold, five team golds, five silver, and two bronze medals earned between 1936 and 1960. Mangiarotti's exceptional skill, dedication, and consistency solidified his reputation as one of the greatest fencers of all time.

Fiore dei Liberi was a late 14th-century knight, diplomat, and fencing master known for his martial arts expertise. He traveled extensively, teaching and practicing the art of combat. His legacy includes the renowned martial arts manual, the Flower of Battle (Fior di Battaglia, Flos Duellatorum), which is one of the oldest surviving fencing manuals. Fiore's professional life was dedicated to honing his skills in combat, sharing his knowledge through teaching, and leaving a lasting impact on the world of fencing.

Daniele Garozzo is a highly accomplished Italian right-handed foil fencer with an impressive track record in international competitions. He has achieved significant success as a two-time Olympian, winning an individual Olympic gold medal in 2016 and a silver medal in 2021. Garozzo is also a multiple-time European and world champion, showcasing his consistent excellence in the sport. His professional career is defined by his remarkable achievements in both individual and team competitions, establishing him as one of the top fencers in the world.

Aldo Nadi was a prominent Italian fencer known for his exceptional skill and achievements in the sport. He excelled in both foil and sabre fencing disciplines, earning a reputation as one of the greatest fencers of all time. Nadi's career was marked by numerous victories in international competitions, including multiple Olympic medals. His technical prowess and strategic mindset set him apart from his peers, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in the world of fencing. Nadi's contributions to the sport continue to inspire fencers worldwide.

Alessandro Pirzio Biroli was a prominent figure in both the sporting and military realms. As an Italian fencer, he showcased his skill and dedication on numerous occasions, earning recognition for his achievements in the sport. Transitioning to a distinguished career in the army, he rose through the ranks to become a General. Biroli's leadership and strategic acumen were evident in his military service, where he played a significant role in various operations and contributed to the defense and security of his country.

Ridolfo Capo Ferro da Cagli was an Italian fencing master based in Siena, renowned for his rapier fencing treatise published in 1610. He potentially had ties to the court at Urbino and may have been associated with the University of Siena, teaching fencing to German students. Little is known about his life beyond his fencing expertise and his dedication to Federico Ubaldo della Rovere. Capo Ferro's treatise and the mention of him as a "master of the great German nation" highlight his significant role in the fencing world.

Rossella Fiamingo is an accomplished Italian left-handed épée fencer with an impressive professional career. She is a two-time individual world champion and a three-time Olympian. Fiamingo has won multiple Olympic medals, including a silver in the individual event in 2016 and bronze and gold as part of the team in 2021 and 2024, respectively. Her dedication and skill in fencing have solidified her reputation as one of the top athletes in her sport, earning her numerous accolades and achievements throughout her career.

Camillo Agrippa was a prominent figure in the Renaissance era, known for his expertise in fencing, architecture, engineering, and mathematics. He is recognized as one of the most influential fencing theorists in history. Agrippa's professional life was marked by his contributions to various fields, including the development of fencing techniques and theories that continue to be studied and practiced today. His work as an architect and engineer also left a lasting impact, showcasing his multidisciplinary talents and innovative approach to problem-solving.

Aldo Montano III is a highly accomplished Italian fencer, known for his impressive achievements in the sport. With five Olympic medals to his name, including a gold in sabre individual at the 2004 Summer Olympics, Montano has consistently showcased his skill and talent on the international stage. His success extends beyond the Olympics, as evidenced by his gold medal at the World Championships in Catania, Italy in 2011. Montano's prowess in Men's team sabre was further highlighted by his silver medal win at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Nedo Nadi was a highly accomplished Italian fencer, widely regarded as one of the best in his field. His outstanding achievements include being the only fencer to secure a gold medal in all three weapons at a single Olympic Games, a feat that has not been matched to this day. Nadi holds the record for winning the most fencing gold medals at a single Games, with a total of five. Throughout his career, he amassed a total of six Olympic gold medals, solidifying his legacy as a legendary figure in the sport of fencing.

Valentina Vezzali is an accomplished Italian politician and retired Olympic and World Champion foil fencer. Throughout her fencing career, she secured six Olympic gold medals and clinched the title of 16-time World Champion in foil. Notably, she is among a select group of athletes who have achieved five medals in the same individual event at the Summer Olympic Games. Transitioning to politics, Vezzali was elected to the Italian Chamber of Deputies in 2013 and later appointed as Italy's cabinet undersecretary responsible for sports in 2021.

Arianna Errigo is a highly accomplished Italian left-handed foil and sabre fencer known for her aggressive and fast fencing style. She has an impressive career record, including multiple European and world championships. Errigo is considered one of the greatest fencers of all time. As a three-time Olympian, she has won medals at various Olympic Games, showcasing her skill and talent on the world stage. Additionally, she is affiliated with the Centro Sportivo Carabinieri, demonstrating her dedication to her sport and country.

Achille Marozzo was an influential Italian fencing master in the Dardi or Bolognese tradition. His seminal work "Opera Nova dell'Arte delle Armi" published in 1536 is a renowned treatise on fencing techniques with various weapons. Marozzo's text also delves into the customs of judicial dueling in Italy. He attributes his swordsmanship skills to Guido Antonio Di Luca and is known to have influenced later Bolognese fencing masters. Today, Marozzo's work continues to be studied and researched by historical fencing groups worldwide.

Salvator Fabris was an esteemed Italian fencing master known for his expertise in rapier fencing. He traveled and taught across Europe, notably serving as the fencing instructor for King Christian IV of Denmark. In 1606, he published his influential treatise on fencing, "Lo Schermo, overo Scienza d’Arme," which became a bestseller and was reprinted multiple times. Fabris' treatise is renowned for its elaborate copperplate engravings and is considered a masterpiece of baroque printing. Additionally, he held the prestigious title of Supreme Knight of the Order of the Seven Hearts, adding to his esteemed reputation.

Nathalie Moellhausen is a highly accomplished épée fencer who has excelled on the international stage representing both Italy and Brazil. In 2019, she made history by becoming the first individual World Champion in épée for Brazil at the Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Prior to this, she achieved success with the Italy team by winning the team World championship in 2009 and team European championship in 2007. Her remarkable skills and dedication have earned her recognition as one of the top fencers in the world.

Andrea Baldini is a highly accomplished Italian foil fencer, renowned for his exceptional achievements in the sport. He has secured multiple European and World championship titles, along with a team Olympic gold medal in 2012. Baldini holds the distinction of being the sole foil fencer to achieve four gold medals in a single season - encompassing both individual and team events. His remarkable success extends to winning the World Cup, solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in the world of fencing.

Elisa Di Francisca is a highly accomplished Italian former foil fencer, known for her exceptional achievements in the sport. She has an impressive track record, including being an Olympic champion in 2012, World champion in 2010, and a three-time European champion. Di Francisca's success extends to winning the 2010–11 World Cup series and securing seven World Cup victories. As part of the Italian team, she has achieved significant milestones, such as being a five-time World champion and a seven-time European champion.

Giovanna Trillini is a highly accomplished Italian foil fencer, renowned for her exceptional skills and achievements in the sport. Throughout her illustrious career, she has secured numerous prestigious titles, including being a 4-time Olympic champion. Trillini's remarkable success includes winning gold medals in both team and individual events, as well as earning a silver and two bronze medals in individual competitions at the Olympic Games. Her dedication, talent, and consistent performance have solidified her reputation as one of the most successful fencers in the world.

Dorina Vaccaroni is an Italian former fencer known for her accomplishments in the sport of foil. Throughout her career, she displayed exceptional skill and dedication, competing at a high level in numerous competitions. Vaccaroni's expertise and tactical prowess on the fencing strip set her apart as a formidable opponent. Her achievements and contributions have left a lasting impact on the fencing community, inspiring future generations of athletes to strive for excellence in the sport.

Mario Aldo Montano is an accomplished Italian fencer known for his success in team sabre events at multiple Olympic Games. He has secured a gold and two silver medals in this discipline. In addition to his Olympic achievements, Montano has also excelled at the Mediterranean Games, earning silver and bronze medals in the individual sabre event across multiple years. His skill and dedication to fencing have established him as a prominent figure in the sport, with a legacy of competitive excellence.

Giuseppe Delfino was a distinguished Italian fencer known for his expertise in épée competition. Throughout his professional career, he achieved the prestigious title of Olympic champion, showcasing his exceptional skill and dedication in the sport. Delfino's talent and hard work enabled him to leave a lasting impact on the fencing world, inspiring aspiring fencers and earning him recognition as a formidable competitor. His legacy as an accomplished athlete and Olympic champion continues to be celebrated in the realm of fencing.

Michele Maffei is a retired Italian fencer known for his exceptional career in the sport. Throughout his professional life, he achieved great success by winning multiple medals in team sabre events at four Olympic Games. Additionally, he showcased his skills at the Mediterranean Games, earning gold medals in the individual sabre event in 1975 and 1979, as well as a bronze medal in 1967. Maffei's dedication and talent have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of fencing.

John Pezza is a renowned Italian fencer who achieved notable success in his career. He competed in the individual and team épée events at the 1976 Summer Olympics, securing a 9th place ranking. His impressive skills led him to win a gold medal in the individual épée event at the 1975 Mediterranean Games. Throughout his professional life, Pezza demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication to the sport of fencing, leaving a lasting impact on the fencing community with his achievements on the international stage.

Carlo Pavesi was a highly accomplished Italian fencer known for his exceptional skills in the épée events. Throughout his career, he achieved remarkable success at various prestigious competitions, including the Olympics and the Mediterranean Games. Pavesi secured a total of four gold medals at the Olympics in both individual and team épée events. His impressive performance also earned him gold and silver medals at the Mediterranean Games, solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in the world of fencing.

Aldo Aureggi was an accomplished Italian fencer known for his skill and success in the sport. He achieved notable recognition by winning a silver medal in the team foil event at the 1960 Summer Olympics, showcasing his talent on an international stage. Throughout his professional career, Aureggi demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a strong work ethic, setting a high standard for excellence in fencing. His contributions to the sport and his achievements at the Olympic level solidified his reputation as a respected and skilled athlete.