Olympics: Vezzali makes history with third successive fencing gold

Tuesday, 12 August 2008

BEIJING - Italy's Valentina Vezzali made Olympics history on Monday when she became the first fencer to win three successive individual titles with victory in the foil.

The 34-year-old Vezzali, the champion in 2000 and 2004, defeated South Korea's Nam Hyun-Hee 6-5 in the final.

"It was an extremely good bout that was full of emotions, emotions I have never felt before, emotions I felt strongly during and in the lead-up to this match," said Vezzali.

"I fought against some very strong competitors. My son asked me for medal but he didn't ask for a particular one. Anyway, here's a medal."

Bronze went to compatriot Margherita Granbassi who defeated another Italian Giovanna Trillini 15-12 in the third place play-off.