US fencers raise concerns about biased judging, impact on Paris Olympic team

Some U.S. fencers are concerned the selection of the men’s saber team for this summer’s Paris Olympics could be impacted by possible biased judging and match manipulation in favor of another American, and are asking international officials to investigate.

USA TODAY Sports obtained a copy of a Feb. 14 letter that Rob Koehler, director general of Global Athlete, sent on behalf of about a half-dozen fencers to Emmanuel Katsiadakis, the interim president of the International Fencing Federation (FIE).

Global Athlete is an international athletes advocacy group, and Koehler sent the letter because the fencers fear retaliation.

In his letter, Koehler references the decisions of a Bulgarian referee during a recent competition that “appear to consistently lean in favor” of the U.S. fencer.

“These occurrences raise significant concern regarding the impartiality and fairness of the competition in question,” Koehler wrote. “With the Olympic qualification upon us, we kindly ask that you investigate these allegations to ensure the rightful fencers have the opportunity to attend the 2024 Olympic Games.”

There is no proof of the alleged wrongdoing or even that the fencers know about it. But any allegations that cast doubt on the integrity of a sport should be investigated, Koehler said, especially when points earned at those matches help determine who makes the U.S. Olympic team.

USA Fencing agreed. In a statement to USA TODAY Sports, CEO Phil Andrews said USA Fencing has initiated an independent investigation “into recent allegations of bout manipulation in saber.”

“We are taking these allegations seriously, and this comprehensive investigation addresses concerns raised and seeks to find the truth,” Andrews said. “We remain steadfast in our dedication to transparency and fairness, along with our commitment and responsibility to the entire USA Fencing community. We will share our summary findings and any subsequent actions at the conclusion of that investigation.”

The FIE has not responded to his letter, Koehler said Wednesday. He has now sent a follow-up directly to Kit McConnell, the sport director for the International Olympic Committee, who was copied on the initial letter.

International Fencing and the IOC have not responded to requests for comment from USA TODAY Sports.

“I never put much faith in an international federation reacting or acting on an athlete’s complaint. But I would expect … them to take action and defend and support as much as they could to make sure things are investigated,” Koehler told USA TODAY Sports.

“When we see athletes coming forward with allegations, it’s not done lightly,” Koehler added. “And when it is done, we need to take it seriously.”

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Koehler’s letter echoed concerns fencers and fencing fans have been raising on the internet for several months. Specifically, that some fencers are repeatedly drawing the same referees, which is itself unusual. And that at least four referees have allegedly made questionable decisions that have benefitted two athletes from the United States as well as athletes from Uzbekistan and Kuwait.

While there is no hard and fast proof of the alleged wrongdoing, many liken the decisions to the shady judging in figure skating under the old 6.0 scoring system. Backroom deals to benefit certain skaters or countries was an open secret in skating, but the shenanigans were not confirmed until a judge in the pairs competition at the Salt Lake City Olympics admitted she’d been pressured to “vote a certain way.”

In fencing, athletes earn points through “touches,” or hits to the body of their opponent. Though fencing has tried to make its judging more objective with electronic scoring, it is still the referee who determines which fencer had priority, or was on the attack, and decides who gets the point in the case of simultaneous touches.

Given the speed of the sport, there is always the possibility those decisions will be wrong. But the concern is that some calls are going beyond human error.

The issue is particularly concerning to the U.S. fencers because of its potential impact on the Olympic team.

The four athletes who've accumulated the most points at domestic and international competitions will make the Paris squad. The team will be named next month, after one last World Cup and a domestic event.

“Unless there’s an investigation into the potential or alleged wrongdoings, then the status quo remains the same,” Koehler said. “And athletes competing fairly are losing out to potential or alleged fixing of events.

“Surely the evidence that’s being presented needs to be looked at.”