How it works
Ten golds are on offer, divided between individual and team events and using three types of weapon – the foil, sabre and epée. All bouts run in a knockout format with a final deciding the gold medal winners
Who's hot
Korea are expected to do well in the men's individual sabre while Italy remain the world's No1 team. In epée, there is only an individual event and here Gauthier Grumier, of France, is the favourite for gold. For the women, Italy are expected to dominate the individual and team foil – four of their competitors are in the world's top eight
Home hopes
Given Britain has not won an Olympic medal in fencing since 1964 in Tokyo, and a gold since 1956, expectations are low. The men's foil team, who are currently ninth in the world, are considered the best prospect, with Richard Kruse (above) and Laurence Halsted the standout performers
The road to London
23-24 April 2011 Birmingham International Open
14-19 July 2011 European Championships, Sheffield
31 Jul-13 Aug 2011 National Academy training camp
May/June 2012 Team announced
The stage
ExCel Arena. The exhibition and conference centre, located in London's Docklands, will host a range of Olympic events, including boxing and judo
What they say
ªFencing is a great traditional sport, with enduring values and real potential for growth
David Teasdale, chair of British Fencing
Did you know?
After the 1924 Games, which were held in Paris, the Italy and Hungary teams settled a scoring controversy with a real-life duel
Competition dates
28 July-5 Aug 2012
Ticket prices
£20-£95
