Fencing is one of the four sports which has been featured at every modern Olympic Games. Currently, three types of weapon are used in Olympic fencing:

• Foil — a light thrusting weapon; the valid target is restricted to the torso; double hits are not allowed;
  
  
  
  
• Épée — a heavier thrusting weapon; the valid target area covers the entire body; double hits are allowed;
  
  
  
  
• Sabre — a light cutting and thrusting weapon; the valid target area includes almost everything above the waist (excluding the back of the head and the hands); double hits are not allowed.