Sabre, Individual, Men

The stranglehold that Hungary held over the sabre had finally been broken in 1968 in Mexico City with the victory of Jerzy Pawłowski of Poland. Pawłowski returned to defend his title but by 1972 he was slightly past his prime and was eliminated at the semi-final stage in Munich.

The winner was the 1970 World Champion, Viktor Sidyak of Russia. Sidyak lost only once, to compatriot and eventual bronze medallist Vladimir Nazlymov, in the final stage of the event and his four wins were unmatched by any of his rivals.

The silver and bronze medals were decided by tiny margins. One extra hit from fourth place finisher Michele Maffei might well have elevated him to the silver medal position. Instead he missed out as Hungary’s Péter Marót and Nazlymov completed the medal podium.