News

Reflection on the First Months as EFC President 

Three months into his tenure as the President of the European Fencing Confederation (EFC), Pascal Tesch reflects on the challenges and milestones achieved so far. In his own words, “The biggest challenge has been, and continues to be, the undeniable gap within Europe. Regardless of the perspective, it is clear that we need to reconcile opposing views.” He emphasized the complexities stemming from the war in Ukraine and its divisive impact on Europe, alongside the inherent difficulties of addressing geopolitical challenges within the EFC’s scope. 

On the sporting front, he highlights the Olympic qualification system as a pressing issue, noting that “Europe has had to leave elite fencers at home,” and expressing hope that proposals made by European participants in the FIE workgroup would be heard. Calendar organization also posed significant challenges, with the FIE’s allocation of World Cups leading to logistical complications. Lastly, he pointed out the need for more fact-based discussions within the community, as “too many discussions are emotionally driven.” 

First Steps Towards Implementation of the Election Program 

In the initial months of his presidency, Tesch focused on taking stock of the EFC’s operations. He noted that many agreements had been made informally, often lacking proper documentation. "Agreements made informally, 'at a dinner,' were never officially recorded," he remarks, underlining the need for a shift to modern governance practices. 

To that end, the EFC has begun publishing meeting minutes, making it the only international fencing body to do so. Tesch has also introduced a new structure for executive committee meetings, ensuring ample room for in-depth discussions. Additionally, he’s about to enforce the teams platform he installed a decade ago as the sole collaborative tool, and a chain of command document is being developed to streamline event organization. 

The development of a new website is another milestone, with Julian Seidl overseeing the project. "Step by step, progress is being made," Tesch affirms, highlighting the ongoing efforts to modernize and professionalize the organization. 

Evaluating the Work of the Executive Committee 

Despite the limited time since its formation, Tesch is optimistic about the potential of the new Executive Committee. "Everyone has great ideas and is eager to contribute to our collective success," he says. The committee has demonstrated its commitment by attending competitions and actively engaging with the fencing community. 

Tesch’s leadership approach emphasizes the principle that "fencing is for fencers." By fostering a collaborative environment, he aims to ensure that the committee’s efforts align with the needs and aspirations of the fencing community. 

“As a group, we attended a smaller competition in Munich, showing that the members of the Executive Committee are genuinely interested in fencing” he noted. 

Involving Member Federations in Key Initiatives 

Empowering member federations remains a cornerstone of Tesch’s vision. "The Solidarity program is excellent in many ways. I have personally witnessed a couple of these camps and have seen great enthusiasm," he shares. However, he acknowledges that participation needs to broaden. "We often see the same people participating repeatedly. Motivating member federations to engage more actively is crucial," he notes. 

Drawing inspiration from the late Peter Westbrook’s foundation, Tesch advocates for personal responsibility. "Your success is in your hands—we just give you the tools," he states. He emphasizes that every member federation has unique strengths. "If we combine all these efforts, Europe will become unbeatable," he adds confidently. 

Plans for 2025 

Looking ahead, Tesch identifies the launch of the new EFC website as a key initiative. "With Julian Seidl as the project manager, this initiative is in capable hands," he says. He also plans to enhance governance structures. "Currently, there are no transition procedures from one executive committee to the next. This is a gap we need to address," he explains. 

Tesch highlights the legal commission’s efforts, led by Etienne Van Cann, to revise statutes to align with legal constraints. "These changes will ensure we meet the demands of the coming years," he emphasizes. Additionally, he looks forward to advancing accountability practices. "We are adding structure to ease transitions and ensure continuity," he remarks. 

The Role of Technology in Fencing 

Tesch envisions a future where technology plays a pivotal role in fencing. "Right now, we still waste paper for our pools. Why not use tablets instead?" he asks, pointing out the environmental and cost benefits. "From competition two, you save money, reduce environmental impact, and speed up operations," he explains. 

He also underscores the potential for integrating medical science. "We don’t have enough science in fencing yet, but it’s an area we can’t overlook," he asserts. Looking ahead, Tesch hopes to initiate a Summit for Technology in Fencing. "It’s a long journey, but one worth starting," he states optimistically. 

Strengthening Media Presence 

A compelling media strategy is central to Tesch’s vision for attracting fans and sponsors. "Sponsors will not give money if they don’t see added value," he observes. He emphasizes creating a clear and unified message. "We need to collaborate with organizers to ensure our media presence reflects a consistent and professional image," he notes. 

Tesch also aims to make competitions more viewer-friendly. "Our competitions can’t stretch over 12 hours. We need formats that appeal to spectators," he argues. To improve engagement, he suggests leveraging data. "Imagine displaying lunge speed or attack angles in real time. It would make the sport much more dynamic," he says. 

The Future of European Fencing 

Tesch envisions a transformative era for European fencing. "Europe in one year will mark the beginning of a transformative era," he shares. "In five years, we’ll be laying the groundwork for a consolidated vision through my final mandate," he adds, outlining his long-term goals. 

He believes in the power of collective effort. "By uniting diverse perspectives, we can achieve a future where fencing thrives across all nations," he concludes. 

New Year Wishes 

As 2025 approaches, Tesch extends his wishes to the European fencing community. "Let’s hope for exciting competitions, unexpected victories, and a well-planned calendar," he says. "Most importantly, stay healthy and enjoy the sport," he adds warmly. 

He also calls for greater involvement from the community. "I challenge athletes, coaches, and fans to share their honest perspectives. Only through open dialogue can we evolve," he emphasizes, inviting diverse viewpoints to shape the future of fencing.