Stupor at the Grand Palais. The reigning two-time Paralympic champion, Beatrice Maria Vio Grandis, known as “Bebe Vio”, fell in the semi-finals of the wheelchair fencing foil tournament against China’s Xiao Rong (15-9) on Wednesday 4 September. The Italian, visibly embarrassed by the strap on her wheelchair – to the point of asking for a technical break at the start of the match – never seemed able to turn the match around.
In tears at the end of the final touch, Bebe Vio did not put away, under the glass ceiling of this jewel of the Beaux-Arts style, the crowns she had successively conquered in Rio (2016) and then in Tokyo (2021). The Italian took solace in the repechage by winning bronze, a medal she had not been accustomed to for many years.
“I am very happy with this medal. I am very proud to have obtained it in front of my family, my friends, my team members., the Italian enjoyed after her match. My opponent this morning was simply better than me. You know, just because you win gold once doesn’t mean you’ll win it every time. [le] win. And then I still have a chance tomorrow. [jeudi, en fleuret par équipes]. »
Still, this defeat in the semi-final was like an earthquake. A world star of armchair fencing who inspires admiration and respect, Bebe Vio is an icon of this sport. One of those who makes the “cover” of international magazines (rolling stones, Vanity Fair…) or who are invited to the table of the powerful, such as former US President Barack Obama. In Italy, she is as famous as the queen of swimming Federica Pellegrini. She also confused the Art4Sport association, which helps amputee children to access sport. On Wednesday, the bays of the Grand Palais had never had so manyThe tricolorthe Italian flag, just for the entry into the race of the 27-year-old champion.
Amputated on all four limbs at the age of 11 by a devastating meningitis – which also disfigured her – and after spending a year in hospitals undergoing rehabilitation sessions, the young woman, without arms or legs, found the strength to rebuild herself on the fencing track, with the help of a specially designed prosthesis to allow her to hold a foil. Her aggressive style, like a wasp launching its weapon at its opponents, quickly made her the queen of the discipline, multiple medallists in international competitions and the favourite of the public.
“You don’t stand a chance against her.”
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