World’s oldest fencer, 90, relishes the “overwhelming fight” against younger men

He may be 90 years old, but the world’s oldest competitive fencer is still able to flèche and riposte like a man half his age.

Péter Boros from Hungary has been fencing since he was 17 and has competed in hundreds of tournaments throughout his life.

Péter competes in the 70+ age category – regularly fencing men 20 years his junior – because there aren’t any competitors in his own age group.

The retired civil engineer has already participated in three tournaments so far this year, finishing third in Hungary’s National Veteran Fencing Championship’s 70+ category, as well as winning the Csacsi Cup, an open-air veteran’s competition at Visegrád Castle.

He also regularly enters international tournaments, and he’s been the oldest competitor at both the European and World Veterans Fencing Championships.

Péter recommends fencing as one of the best ways to maintain a healthy mind and body.

He said: “Fencing is not just a sport; it is art as well. An intensive, physically and mentally overwhelming fight.

“From the physical side you have to have these skills: speed, strength, dexterity and a special stamina.

“But you can neither leave your brain at home. … You must act and react to your opponent’s actions or just try to guess them. It is like a beautiful chess game.”

He trains once or twice per week to keep his skills sharp, with each session lasting around two hours.

He also enjoys long walks and visiting new places with his wife, whom he says “takes big responsibility” for his fitness and is “like a life coach” to him. 

Péter’s first foray into fencing came over seven decades ago, after finding his father’s sabre and helmet.

His high school PE teacher then offered him a place on a sabre-fencing course, and he later joined Hungary’s oldest fencing club.

“I had begun with foil fencing, just like everyone back in that time,” Péter recalls. “It was the best to start with because a lot of footwork was compulsory for this type of fencing.”

Péter turns 91 at the end of this month, but he doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon – he’s going to compete in two more tournaments this year.