Before 2016 came to an end, there were also CMI courses in Tokyo and Beijing. A highlight of the Japanese training camp from October 11-23 was the Athletes’ Career Programme workshop which offered participants a chance to consider their future career direction. These workshops are a joint initiative with the IOC and the 36 fencers aged 16-22 in attendance were encouraged to consider potential pathways beyond the sporting arena. “This workshop focused on helping athletes recognise their transferable strengths,” said the FIE’s Shinmi Lee, a former Olympic sabre fencer.

Present as guest of honour at the Tokyo workshop was the 2015 world champion and two-time Olympic silver medallist in men’s foil, Yuki Ota.

The final CMI training camp of the year took place in Beijing from November 1-15. It involved 14 visiting epee fencers from 13 Asian nations together with eight local athletes who received lessons from the renowned French coach Daniel Levavasseur.