London - Spain's vaunted fencing wizard Inigo Montoya was bested by relatively unknown Westley "Dread Pirate" Roberts of Florin in men's individual Epée, thus ending his hopes for the gold medal. Roberts advances to the semi-finals to face Diego "El Zorro" de la Vega of the USA. France's Charles Ogier de Batz, known affectionately as d'Artagnan will face his countryman Hercule-Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac. Cyrano de Bergerac won the gold in the World Championships.
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I'm fascinated by the fencing. Over the years I have developed an interest in renaissance hoplology. I realize that Olympic fencing is not the same as historical fencing, each having it's own techniques, strategies and purpose, but Olympic fencing is so dang cool. I can't help but think that if I would have been into fencing as a kid like I was of the swords and sword play of medieval Europe and feudal Japan, my brother and I would have suffered many superficial puncture wounds and welts. We didn't give much thought to what we called "cha-cha" swords, in retrospect I can see I missed out on some swashbuckling fun.
judo is better
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