Fencing is one of just five sports that have been continuously represented at the modern Olympics since the first edition in 1896. So,when most fencing forums agree that Olympian Bob Anderson has done more for the popularity of the sport than anybody else,the amateur will be forgiven if he assumes Anderson was probably a fencing phenomenon who picked up medals for fun. The British fencer did represent his country at the Helsinki Olympics in 52,but returned empty handed. Though he was to have an accomplished career as a professional fencer,Andersons contribution to the sport came in an entirely different capacity. It was as a stuntman and later as an action choreographer that Anderson was to achieve cult status. The fencer has orchestrated some of Hollywoods most spectacular sword-play sequences,in blockbusters such as the Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings trilogy,The Mask of Zorro,Pirates of the Caribbean and other big hits. In fact,the light sabre duels in the original Star Wars trilogy proved to be such a huge hit with fans that director George Lucas deliberately played down the role played by Anderson,who was Darth Vaders body double in all the duelling sequences,so as to not take away from the popularity of the arch villain. Another block buster,the Bond movie Die Another Day,which involved a lengthy fencing sequence shot under Andersons expert supervision,triggered such fan frenzy that fencing equipment manufacturers in the United Kingdom reported increased sales while fencing clubs too reported an all-time high in inquiries and memberships. While fencing is a sport that isnt really television friendly the action is too fast and the movements,hits and scoring considered too nuanced for that Anderson perhaps chose the right medium to bring the sport closer to a wider audience. Anderson passed away on New Years day this year,aged 89. DISONISCHENKO At Montreal 1976,Boris Onischenko of the Soviet Union,a silver medallist in pentathlon from the previous edition,was in seemingly unstoppable form,registering hits at will. During his bout against Great Britains Jim Fox the board lit up to register an Onischenko hit even as Fox was convinced he had evaded it. On inspection,it was revealed that Onischenkos sword handle had been wired to register a hit at the press of a button. The British team went on to win gold,with their media dubbing the disqualified athlete Disonischenko. Tragic end Vladimir Smirnov,who won the individual foil event for the Soviet Union at Moscow 1980,was to meet a tragic end just two years later,in the World Championships. During a bout,the opponents blade broke,going through Smirnovs vizer. The Olympian,who was kept on life support for the duration of the event,died nine days later. Several safety changes in the sport,including kevlar vests,more durable head gear and maraging steel blades,were introduced as a direct consequence of the 28-year olds untimely death. US vs Them Fencing is one of the few sports where the US have struggled to have an impact over the years. Countries like Italy,France,Hungary and Russia are the traditional power houses,picking up 147 out of 191 golds on offer over the years. Despite the presence of several promising young fencers the US will again look to Mariel Zagunis,the countrys first fencing gold medalist,to bring it glory in London. Zagunis was the womens Sabre winner in 2004 and 2008 and will be looking to complete the treble.
