GRANVILLE, Ohio (Oct. 16) -- Denison University head fencing coach Peter Grandbois helped anchor the United States Men's Foil Team to a historic silver medal finish at the 2024 Veteran Fencing World Championships in Dubai. 
 
Before the Veteran World Championships in Dubai, the U.S. Veteran Men's Foil Team had only won one other medal since its inception. With Grandbois' help, the 2024 U.S. Veteran Men's Foil Team earned just its second medal in history. The previous medal was silver and came five years ago in Cairo.
 
The day started with a pool round and a narrow 21-18 win over Australia but was followed by a tough 30-25 setback to Japan. With the split, the team earned the sixth-seed in the direct elimination tableau. The team bounced back with a strong 30-18 win over Germany setting up a re-match with number two seed Japan. This time the US came out on top with a 25-22 win. In the end, the U.S. fell to France by a narrow margin of 28-26 in the finals. The silver medal matched the best finish in event history. 
 
"It was an incredible feeling representing the US at the World Championships," Coach Grandbois commented. "And to bring home one of only two medals ever won for the U.S. in this event is a real thrill. I hope to return next year and go for gold! I believe 100% that the U.S. can do it."
 
Coach Grandbois qualified for the Veteran World Team in the top position in the U.S. by winning both the North American Cup in San Jose in January and the National Championships in his age category in Columbus, Ohio in July. The U.S. Fencing Federation sends four fencers to the World Championships in each age category: 50 and over, 60 and over and 70 and over. 
 
Prior to the team event, Grandbois fenced in the individual event, going 5-1 in the pool round. His only loss came to the defending world champion, Frances's Stephane Huerto, 5-4. His pool round result made him the fifth seed going into the direct elimination tableau and giving him a bye in the round of 64. In the round of 32, Grandbois overcame Italy's Marco Bosio by a score of 10-7. Unfortunately, he was knocked out in the round of 16 by the Russian Vasiliy Mishagin. Mishagin took an early 7-1 lead, but Grandbois fought back before falling by a 10-8 margin. His 10th place finish was the best of any American in his age category and qualified him to represent the U.S. on day two in the team event.