Valentina Vezzali – Legendary Italian Foil Fencer Olympic Champion

Overview Stats Records Matches Videos News Photos Detailed Bio

Maria Valentina Vezzali-Giugliano

Athletes | Fencing

Full Name: Maria Valentina Vezzali-Giugliano

Born: Jesi, Ancona, Marche, Italy

Date of Birth: 14 Feb 1974

Age: 51

Nicknames: Cobra

Sport: Fencing (Women's Foil)

Height/Weight: 53 kg / 5' 5"

Valentina Vezzali is a retired Italian foil fencer widely regarded as one of the greatest female fencers in history. With a career spanning over two decades, she has dominated the sport with precision, agility, and unmatched technique. Vezzali’s remarkable achievements include 6 Olympic gold medals, 16 World Championship titles, and numerous national championships, making her a true icon of fencing.

Valentina Vezzali was born on February 14, 1974, in Jesi, Italy, and began fencing at the age of six. Her career quickly soared, earning her recognition in national and international competitions. Vezzali represented Italy in five Olympic Games, securing 6 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals. She also achieved remarkable success in World Championships, claiming 16 gold medals (6 individual, 10 team), along with 6 silver and 4 bronze, cementing her legacy as one of the most decorated fencers of all time.

General Stats

Format	Events	Gold Medals	Silver Medals	Bronze Medals	Personal Bests	Season Bests	Records Set	Finals Reached	Championships	Minutes Played
Olympics	Individual Foil, Team Foil	6	1	2	6 Golds in 3 Olympics	6 Golds	Most decorated female fencer in Olympic history	9	0	Approx. 450 mins
World Championships	Individual Foil, Team Foil	16	6	4	Multiple World titles	—	16 World Championship titles	20	16	Approx. 1,200 mins
Asian Games	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	Approx. 800 mins
Nationals	Individual Foil, Team Foil	18	3	2	—	—	27 World Cup medals	27	0	Approx. 2,000 mins