RACHEL APPLEFIELD

French fencer, Mertine, points his foil directly at his Austrian opponent during the round of 16 team competition at CIP, Paris, France, January 19, 2014.

The French fencing team gathers together after their first win in the team competition at CIP, Paris, France, January 19, 2014.

Mertine, a French fencer battles an Egpytian player during the round of 8 for the team competition at CIP, Paris. (View seen from beneath Lefort's legs.) France, January 19, 2014.

China and Egypt battle in the background as France and USA battle in the foreground at the CIP team competition. Paris, France, January 19, 2014.

Andrea Baldini, 2013's individual winner, cools down during the finals of the CIP team competition. Paris, France, January 19, 2014.

American fencer, Chamley-Watson and French fencer Le Péchoux battle in the semi-finals of the CIP team competition. Paris, France, January 19, 2014.

The referee decides against the another disputed callby the Americans, this time by Imboden, at CIP. Paris, France, January 19, 2014.

Egyptian team coach, Paul Kantorsky, gesticulates fervently and cries out while he watches one of his players during the CIP team competition, Paris, France, January 19, 2014.

The Chinese fencing team relaxes in between matches at CIP. Paris, France, January 19, 2014.

Lefort may be tall, but he has excellent footwork, as demonstrated when he won the CIP 2014 individual competition. Here he battles American Fencer, Imboden. Paris, France, January 19, 2014.

Italian fencer Andrea Baldini has his right calf loosened up by a trainer at CIP. Paris, France, January 19, 2014.

Russian fencing coach, reacts to the action in the semi-final match against Italy at CIP. Paris, France, January 19, 2014.

Young fencers wait backstage before their role in the podium ceremony after the CIP team competition. Paris France, January 19, 2014.

A young fan, plays with his toy sword during at CIP. Paris, France, January 19, 2014.

With a bandaged hand, French fencer, Le Péchoux, signs autographs after a match at CIP. Paris, France, January 19, 2014.