Havana, Jan 10 (IANS) Cuban fencers Ramon Fonts, Rolando Tucker, Eduardo Jons and Rafaela Gonzalez have been selected to be inducted to the Hall of Fame of the International Fencing Federation (IFF) as a part of its centenary celebrations.
The four Cubans are among 100 fencing personalities, who will be inducted to the Hall of Fame, Nov 29, marking the IFF first century of foundation, reports Xinhua.
Fonst (1883-1959), was the first Cuban to win Olympic gold medals, including four individuals in foil, and two team gold medals at the 1900 Paris Games and 1904 St.Louis edition.
Besides being considered as one of the best swordsmen in the world history, Fonst was also an acknowledged pistol and rifle shooter, as well as a savate expert.
Tucker became world champion at the Athens World Championships in 1994 before he won a bronze at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. He was also the first non-European fencer to lead the world ranking from 1995 to 1997.
Jons served 29 years as the coach of the men’s and women foil national teams for Cuba as he led Cuba to obtain an Olympic silver medal and two bronze.
Under his coacing Cuban fencers won more medals at World University Championships (three gold, four silver and four bronze), the Universiades (6-2-3) and the Pan American Games (3-05-10).
Gonzalez has also served as the president of the Cuban Federation and executive member of the IFF committee, and its representative for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Cuban fencers did not qualify for the last two Olympics in 2008 Beijing and 2012 London of 2012 due to desertions and economic crisis.
