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Voices of Victory
Interviewed by Erika Kirpu
France’s Épée and Sabre Teams Reflect on a Golden Day in Genova
The French anthem rang out twice on Day Five of the European Fencing Championships 2025 in Genova — first for the men’s épée team, and again for the women’s sabre squad. After two exceptional team performances, Olympic Champion Erika Kirpu caught up with the athletes for another chapter in our Voices of Victory series.
France – Men’s Épée Team - "A new French team, a new identity, and a golden comeback"
Paul Allegre, Alexandre Bardenet, Gaetan Billa, Luidgi Midelton
Erika Kirpu: I have here with me an amazing French team. Freshly crowned European champions — congratulations! How important is this medal for you?
Alexandre Bardenet: “It’s really important, because it has been a really difficult year — and a really difficult Olympic Games for the team. Finishing fourth at the Olympic Games was really tough. We needed to meet again as a new group, a new team. And today we just wanted to enjoy the moment — because it’s amazing for us. All the French team, also the group at INSEP, they work with us every day. And also the new staff — I think it’s amazing today. We want to enjoy this moment.”
Erika Kirpu: That’s so interesting. How did you build it? How did you build the team?
Alexandre Bardenet: “I think it’s a group effort. At the beginning it was the staff — they tried to discuss with all of us. And all the guys — even the old ones, very old ones like me — decided, ‘OK, let’s make it work.’ And I think today is just a really amazing day, an amazing competition. And we look forward to the World Championships. Hopefully, we’re going to get the same results.”
Erika Kirpu: What has made your team special?
Paul Allegre: “I think today is the result of one year of work. We had difficult times during the year, but we stuck together. We tried to never give up and always believed that we are one of the best teams in the world, and that we can succeed in this kind of championship. I think it’s our confidence — in ourselves and in the group, as Alex said before. And — we were hungry. We wanted to win more than everybody today, I think. This is why it worked.”
Erika Kirpu: It’s so nice, so pleasant to hear you say this. Guys, how are you going to celebrate tonight?
French Team (laughing): “I don’t know... maybe with Genovese dishes? And after — we can’t say!”
France – Women’s Sabre Team - "Four styles, one team — France’s sabre squad keeps the crown"
Sara Balzer, Faustine Clapier, Sarah Noutcha, Toscane Tori
Erika Kirpu: European Champions! Congratulations! Did you feel this morning that the day would finish like this?
Sara Balzer: “It was the goal. It was the goal to win. And so — we are really happy. It’s the fourth time in a row, so it’s a really good thing for our French team. Yes, we wanted this medal. So we are really proud.”
Erika Kirpu: You said it was a goal. How did you prepare for that goal?
Sara Balzer: “Well, during the season, we did all the work as a team. We had really good results, so we knew that we were able to win this competition. But it’s a championship, so it’s always more difficult. So I guess we just stayed calm — and fought the best we could.”
Erika Kirpu: I saw that the scores were quite secure. So it seems like the path to the gold was smooth. But was it actually smooth or not?
Sarah Noutcha: “Not so much. Sometimes we started not so well. But we stayed very calm and trusted ourselves. And at one moment — one of us took the lead. And we kept that momentum all through the match.”
Erika Kirpu: Why is your team special?
Sarah Noutcha: “I think our team is special because we are all very, very different styles. So for the opponents, it’s really hard to have a plan for all the girls — because we don’t fence the same way.”
Erika Kirpu: And how will you remember this day?
Faustine Clapier: “I think maybe because it’s the first time for Toscane and me...”
Erika Kirpu: It’s a good start.
Faustine Clapier: “Yeah — a good start! Also, we had fun. And when we had difficult moments, we knew how to talk with each other. That’s why, I think — when we passed through difficult moments — we could go through it and finish like this, in the best way.”
Erika Kirpu: I feel you’re very determined. I wish you the best of luck for the World Championship.
French Sabre Team: “Thank you!”
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