France has won its third consecutive men’s team epee gold medal on the final day of fencing at the Rio Olympics. They defeated Italy 45-31.
France was the favorite to earn the top spot after winning a medal in the event every year since 1996.
They won bronze at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, silver in 2000 and back-to-back gold in 2004 and 2008.
In 2008, the International Olympic Committee, in an effort to restrict the number of fencing medals awarded, created a rotation of fencing events. In London, the men’s team epee was removed and not contested before returning for the Rio Games.
France makes Olympic history with the victory as they break a tie with the Italians for the most gold medals in the men’s team epee. France now has 9 medals to Italy’s eight.