Gerde, Oszkar

Sport:
fencing

Country Represented:
Hungary

Years Competed:
1908, 1912

Medals Received:
gold

Olympic Info:
A member of two Olympic fencing teams for Hungary, Gerde was a sabre specialist who first competed in the Olympics at the 1908 London Games in both the individual and team events. In the team competition, he won a gold medal as Hungary defeated Germany (9-0), Italy (11-5), and Bohemia (9-7). In the individual sabre, Gerde won both his first- and second-round pools to advance to the semifinals. In his semifinal pool, however, he finished in fifth place (four contestants tied for first) and was eliminated from the competition; he officially finished in 11th place.

Gerde returned to the Olympics four years later at the 1912 Stockholm Games and won another gold medal as the Hungarians took the team sabre event. In the individual sabre, Oszkar again advanced to the semifinals before being eliminated (he had finished second in both his first- and second-round pools); this time, he finished 23rd overall. Among his teammates on Hungary's sabre team at both the 1908 and 1912 Olympics were Deszo Foldes, Jeno Fuchs, and Lajos Werkner.

Gerde was killed at Mauthausen concentration camp during the Holocaust.

Career Highlights:
After retiring from international competition, Gerde became a judge at international fencing competitions. He is a member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. July 8, 1883 - d. Oct. 8, 1944

Origin:
Budapest, Hungary

< Previous |  Next >