Fuchs, Jeno

Sport:
fencing

Country Represented:
Hungary

Years Competed:
1908, 1912

Medals Received:
gold

Olympic Info:
Fuchs is considered one of the greatest fencers in Olympic history. Although he competed in only two Olympiads for Hungary, he won every competition he entered. At the 1908 London Games, he was expected to win the individual sabre competition and he did not disappoint his supporters, winning his preliminary pools and then capturing the gold medal by winning the final pool (he had only one touch against him in the finals). In the team competition, Fuchs led the Hungarians to the gold medal with victories over Germany (9-0), Italy (11-5), and Bohemia (9-7).

Fuchs returned to the Olympics in 1912 at the Stockholm Games and went through both the individual and team competitions undefeated, capturing two more gold medals. In 25 matches in individual competition during his Olympic career, Dr. Fuchs had a remarkable record of 22 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Among his teammates on Hungary's sabre team at both the 1908 and 1912 Olympics were Deszo Foldes, Oszkar Gerde, and Lajos Werkner.

The official Swedish Olympic Report of 1912 wrote: "The Hungarians in this event brilliantly maintained their reputation as, perhaps, the greatest masters of the sabre in Europe, and their leading representative, Dr. Fuchs, awakened general admiration by the skill and strength he displayed during the course of the competition. Although of slight build and rather low stature, he succeeded by means of well calculated sabre play, in repelling the attacks of and defeating the most powerfully built and vigorous opponents. One saw the results of good schooling and methodical training; there was no attempt at artificial surprises, nothing was left to chance; determination and strength were not spared, on the other hand, whenever an attack was at length made from some well chosen position."

Career Highlights:
Fuchs is a member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. Oct. 29, 1882 - d. March 14, 1955

Origin:
Budapest, Hungary

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