Global Fencing Injury Report: Oh Sang-uk's Triumphant Return, Marini's Shoulder Recovery, and Emura's Strategic Rest

The explosive lunges, sudden changes of direction, and high-impact blade contact make fencing a sport that quietly exacts a massive physical toll.

As the 2025-2026 International Fencing Federation (FIE) season marches toward the summer championships, the global injury report highlights a mix of triumphant returns and strategic load management.

The most dramatic resurgence belongs to South Korean sabre star Oh Sang-uk. At the recent Men's Sabre World Cup in Cairo, Oh captured the individual gold medal, signaling his complete recovery from a debilitating back injury.

Oh's journey back to the top of the podium was fraught with setbacks. A chronic herniated disc had severely limited his mobility earlier in the season, causing his world ranking to plummet to No. 19.

The injury reached a breaking point at the SK Telecom Grand Prix in Incheon, where the worsening disc condition forced Oh into an early exit in the round of 32.

However, his performance in Cairo erased any lingering doubts. Oh dominated the field, routing France's Romain Cannone in the quarterfinals before dismantling world No. 2 Sandro Bazadze of Georgia 15-8 in the semifinals.

In the gold medal bout, Oh comfortably defeated American standout Colin Heathcock 15-8. "I believe that trusting myself led to this good result," Oh remarked, noting that the victory restored the confidence he had lost during his rehabilitation.

While Oh is celebrating a fresh victory, Italy's Tommaso Marini is enjoying the long-term dividends of a grueling rehabilitation. The foil specialist currently sits at World No. 3, a remarkable feat given the severity of his past injuries.

Marini famously won the 2023 World Championship in Milan while fencing with a completely torn right shoulder ligament—an injury sustained earlier that year at the Shanghai World Cup.

Following that miraculous victory, Marini underwent reconstructive shoulder surgery in August 2023. The subsequent recovery period tested his mental fortitude, with the Italian admitting he briefly considered quitting the sport.

Instead, Marini leaned on his coaching staff and athletic trainers to rebuild his physical foundation. His current ranking of World No. 3 in the 2025/2026 season with 166 points proves that his reconstructed shoulder can withstand the rigors of the elite circuit.

Not all injury news involves surgical comebacks; some athletes are adopting a preventative approach. Japan's two-time world champion Misaki Emura recently made headlines by withdrawing from the Sabre World Cup in Lima, Peru.[1][2]

Emura's absence is a strategic move to manage a lingering minor injury. Rather than risk exacerbating the issue in South America, the Japanese federation opted to rest their star fencer.[1]

The goal of Emura's withdrawal is to ensure she is fully healthy for the highly anticipated Asian Zonal Championships scheduled for next month, where crucial ranking points will be on the line.[1][2]

This cautious approach reflects a broader trend in modern fencing. Federations and medical teams are increasingly prioritizing long-term health and major championship readiness over accumulating points at every World Cup stop.[2]

Ultimately, the ability to navigate the physical attrition of the sport separates the good from the great. As Oh and Marini have proven, a devastating injury does not have to be a career ender—it can simply be the prelude to a masterful second act.