Fencing has been featured at the Summer Olympics since the very first Games of the modern era. France took an early lead in the medal count with big wins in 1896 and 1900, but it wasn't long before they had competition from other countries, including Cuba, the United States, Hungary, and Italy. Italy has been particularly dominant over the years, racking up an impressive 125 medals in the sport; 49 gold, 43 silver, and 33 bronze.

Six of those were held by Nedo Nadi (1894-1940), who holds the distinction of being the only fencer in Olympic history to medal in every weapon (foil, epee, and sabre) in a single year. That year was 1920, when he took the gold in the individual foil and sabre events, and Italy triumphed in the team foil, epee, and sabre events.

The organized sport of fencing includes the use of a sword; a Foil, Epee or a Sabre, each differing in the way of its rules and strategies, with a common protective attire. The Epee is the heaviest sword and lets the whole body be a valid target. A Foil is a light thrusting weapon, with a target area of only the torso. The Sabre is a light cutting and thrusting weapon that targets the entire body above the waistline. The protective attire includes a mesh mask and a helmet that covers the head, to minimize the chance of a serious injury. A fencing jacket, pads and a glove

Only France comes close to Italy in the overall medal count, with 118 total medals; 42 gold, 41 silver, and 35 bronze.

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