Benito Juarez Sports Center (2023-11-15) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez
Ancient roots, modern art
From ancient Greece to the present day, fencing has evolved from the deadly battles of ancient times to an elegant sport that combines technique and strategy.
Benito Juarez Sports Center (2023-11-15) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez
An Olympic legacy
As one of the five sports present since the first modern Olympic Games of Athens in 1896, fencing has remained a showcase of the indomitable human spirit.
Benito Juarez Sports Center (2023-11-15) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez
The French on the piste
Interestingly, the French dominate fencing. Commands such as "en garde" and "allez" are now universal, showcasing the sport's historic influence.
Benito Juarez Sports Center (2023-11-15) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez
Fencing and its weapons
Each weapon—épée, foil and sabre—has its own style. The épée can touch the entire body, the foil is restricted to just the torso, and the sabre to the upper half of the body.
Benito Juarez Sports Center (2023-11-15) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez
Innovation on the piste
Today, technology has revolutionized fencing, improving safety and precision with advanced equipment and electronic systems for marking hits.
Benito Juarez Sports Center (2023-11-15) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez
Roldán: A legacy of success
Imported from Europe, fencing flourished in Mexico. This sport gained popularity in the 1968 Olympics when María del Pilar Roldán won the silver medal and became the first Mexican woman to win an Olympic medal.
Benito Juarez Sports Center (2023-11-15) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez
Written legacy
María's legacy persists to this day at the Benito Juarez gymnasium, where promising young athletes train in this sport with the dream of one day reaching the spectacular heights of this Mexican athlete.
Benito Juarez Sports Center (2023-11-15) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez
Elite training at Benito Juárez
One of those athletes is Nataly Michel, who perfects her craft at the gymnasium's high-performance center. Here, surrounded by advanced facilities, she refines her technique, showcasing the dedication and commitment needed to compete at the highest level.
Benito Juarez Sports Center (2023-11-15) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez
Inspiring new champions
Perhaps even inspired by Roldán, Nataly has forged her own path in fencing with multiple victories. Her achievements include notable entries in world and continental championships, firmly solidifying herself as an inspiration for the young people who watch her train every day.
Benito Juarez Sports Center (2023-11-15) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez
The future of a legacy
Nataly Michel is a symbol of fencing excellence and goes above and beyond as an athlete and mentor. Her history at the Benito Juárez gymnasium and at international level is a beacon of inspiration, showcasing how champions are forged through passion and perseverance.
Benito Juarez Sports Center (2023-11-15) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez
Fencing: A fusion of culture and sport
In Mexico and in the Benito Juárez gymnasium alike, fencing is more than a sport. It's a blend of history, technique and passion that forms an integral part of sporting culture and Mexican Olympic spirit.
Benito Juarez Sports Center (2023-11-15) by Alejandro Rodriguez TorresAlcaldía Benito Juárez
Between épées and foils: A lasting legacy
From its origins in Greece to its success in Mexico, fencing combines history, culture and sport. Figures like Nataly Michel and María del Pilar Roldán shine a light on its legacy, demonstrating that fencing is more than a sport: it's an expression of art and technique.
