Elisa Di Francisca Retires

Olympic Champion and Rio Silver Medalist Ends Fencing Career at 39

Elisa Di Francisca, the 39-year-old Olympic champion in London and silver medalist in Rio, has announced her retirement from fencing. Di Francisca has not competed since 2020, but she has remained a fixture in the fencing community as a coach and mentor.

A Storied Career

Di Francisca's fencing career began at the age of 12. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the top fencers in Italy. She won her first Olympic medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, taking home a bronze in the individual foil event. In 2012, she reached the pinnacle of her career when she won the gold medal in the same event at the London Olympics. She followed that up with a silver medal in the team foil event at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Di Francisca's retirement is a major loss for the fencing world. She was one of the most successful fencers of her generation, and her achievements will continue to inspire future fencers for years to come.