When you watch the fencing events at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, you might notice something interesting – each fencer has a cable attached to their uniform. It may look like a leash, ready to pull them back if they go too far, but the truth is, it serves a much more important purpose.
This cable is connected to a body cord, also known as a body wire, and its main job is to keep score. Fencing is a fast-paced sport with quick movements and precise strikes, making it difficult for officials to accurately score each touch just by observing. The electric currents that pass through the strategically placed cords help register each touch made by the fencers.
In the sport of fencing, different target areas are used depending on the type of weapon being used. In épée fencing, the target area is the entire body, including the head and feet, so there is no need to differentiate where the touch occurred. However, in foil fencing (where only the torso is the target area) and sabre fencing (where the target area includes the hips to the head, resembling a cavalry soldier on horseback), it is crucial to accurately determine where the touch landed.
To ensure accurate scoring in foil and sabre fencing, fencers must attach the body cord to an electrically conductive jacket called a lamé in addition to their weapon. They also use a mask cord to connect their lamé to an electric mask, completing the circuit necessary for scoring.
Electric scoring has been a part of fencing for almost a century, with the introduction of the electric épée in the 1930s, followed by the electric foil in the 1950s, and the electric sabre in the late 1980s. This technological advancement has not only made scoring more accurate but has also added a new level of excitement and strategy to the sport.
The next time you watch a fencing match, pay attention to the cables and cords attached to the fencers’ uniforms. They are not just for show – they play a vital role in ensuring fair and accurate scoring in this dynamic and elegant sport.