Aron Szilagyi, a three-time men's sabre champion, faced an unexpected setback in Paris on Saturday, dashing his hopes of becoming only the sixth Olympian to win the same individual event at four consecutive Games. The Hungarian fencer was defeated by Canadian debutant Fares Arfa, who triumphed with a score of 15-8, ending Szilagyi's quest for a fourth consecutive gold medal.
Szilagyi had previously secured gold in the men’s individual sabre at the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Olympics. His bid to extend his historic streak was thwarted by Arfa, who ranked 35th in the world, marking a significant upset. The Hungarian fencer's failure to advance was a major disappointment, as he sought to join an elite group of Olympians with four consecutive wins in the same event.
Arfa's victory allows him to progress to the last 16 at the Grand Palais, showcasing his rising prominence in the sport. The defeat of such a prominent figure underscores the unpredictability and excitement of Olympic fencing.
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