Four Cubans to be inducted into Fencing Hall of Fame

CUBANS Ramón Fonst, Rolando Tucker, Eduardo Jons and Rafaela González are to be inducted into the International Fencing Federation’s Hall of Fame, during the FIE’s centenary year. The organization is celebrating its 100th anniversary this coming November. Mercedes del Risco, methodologist for the Cuban Federation, reported that 100 athletes will be honored as part of activities planned to commemorate the November 29, 1913 founding of the International Federation.

At just 17 years of age, Fonst won the title during the Paris Olympics of 1900. In St. Louis 1904, he again demonstrated his virtuosity winning three medals and establishing a record of 24 matches without being touched. He won the individuals in both foil and saber, in addition to the team competition in the former, cementing his position as the best in the world. His remarkable physical condition allowed him to continue fencing well into his 50’s.

Tucker, a bronze medal winner in the individual foil competition during the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, was the first non-European to lead the world ranking 1995-1997, in addition to winning the title in the Athens 1994 World Championship.

Jons coached both the men’s and women’s national foil teams (1983-2012), and has an outstanding record of service which includes one silver Olympic medal and three bronzes; World University Championships (3-4-4); World Championships (6-2-3) and Pan Americans (10-5-3).