Hungary has long been a powerhouse in Olympic fencing, boasting 90 medals with 38 golds, ranking just behind France and Italy. As the Paris 2024 Games approach, the Hungarian women's fencing team is gearing up to add to this illustrious legacy.
Leading the charge is Luca Szucs, the youngest member of the team, who is set to make her Olympic debut. \"When I put on the mask and they say 'Pre Alle,' I'm only focusing on the opponent,\" says Szucs. Her laser-focused approach and lightning-fast saber skills are expected to be game-changers alongside her seasoned teammates.
Liza Pusztai, a saber gold medalist at the Summer Youth Olympics and a two-time team World Championship winner, brings both experience and a fiery spirit to the team. Despite her achievements, Pusztai shares a mix of nerves and excitement. \"I'm a little bit nervous, but I'm looking forward to it because we've been working really hard for this moment, and maybe we can get a medal,\" she tells CGTN.
Sugár Battai, a senior member with multiple European and World Championship titles, emphasizes the team's collective strength. \"Instead of pressure, our World Championship wins motivate us,\" Battai says. \"As a young team, we're proving our potential, and I'm hopeful we'll stay focused and perform well at the Olympics.\"
The camaraderie among the team members is a key factor in their success. Having trained and competed together since childhood, their deep understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses fosters a cohesive and resilient unit. Pusztai remarks, \"I'm pretty sure we couldn't have won two World Championships titles if we weren't this close.\"
With Szucs and Márton reaching the quarter-finals in individual saber events, the team is set to unite for the team event this Saturday. Their shared goal is clear: to secure more podium positions and honor Hungary's proud fencing legacy in Paris 2024.
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The women's fencing team aiming to add to Hungary's historic legacy
cgtn.com
