A Historical Analysis of Competitive Dominance in the Men's Individual Events at the World Fencing Championships (1921–2022)

The study aimed to analyze the trajectory of competitive dominance in the Men's Individual Events at the World Fencing Championships during the period 1921–2022. It also examined medal distribution patterns and analyzed competitive specialization according to weapon category. The study used comparative historical analytical approach, through tracking the results of the World Fencing Championships across four historical stages, based on official data, medal distribution and percentage indicators. The most significant outcome was the shift of competitive dominance from Hungary, which won 10 and 13 gold medals in the first and second historical stages, respectively, to the Soviet Union, which achieved 21 gold medals in the third stage, and subsequently to Russia, which led the fourth stage with 13 gold medals. In contrast, the percentage of competitive dominance declined from 36.8% to 23.6% in the fourth stage, reflecting the expansion of the number of gold-medals-winning countries and variations in competitive specialization across fencing weapons, particularly saber. The main conclusion indicated that the course of competition in the Men's Individual World Fencing Championships gradually shifted from dominance concentrated in a limited number of countries to a more balanced pattern and a broader base of countries capable of achieving Sporting success at the international level. Accordingly, the study recommends that fencing federations and sport policymakers utilize the findings of this historical analysis in developing weapon-specific strategies for fencing development. Such efforts contribute to achieving one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, namely, Good health and well-being.