Maurice Schmidt might be what you call a meticulous athlete. His choice of profession might have triggered his attention to detail and ultimately seemed to help him win gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games wheelchair fencing men's sabre category A.

For weeks the 25-year-old student of environmental protection technology collected accessible information about his competitors mounting up to 100 hours of video material and written facts about their advantages and weaknesses.

"Things paid off. It was amazing, all we planned worked out," the athlete, born with a so-called Dysmelia, a generic term of congenital limb difference.

National coach Alexander Bonder praised his athletes' ability to transform information and advice into swift action.

"He has this gift, to hear or see something and instantly adjust his actions," the coach said. Changing or adjusting his tactics for every one of his rivals made the German proceed to the final against Britain's Piers Gilliver in the Grand Palais.

The determined finish of the German, regarded as the underdog in the final, made him create a surprise triggering excitement among family and friends witnessing the competition.

"This was an incredibly special moment," Schmidt said after lifting his protection mask designed with the German colors black, red, and gold.

"I competed with a lot of confidence as our preparation seemed complete, leaving no space for doubts," the German said despite having to deal with a time delay as the competition start shifted to around 23:00 making him harvest "midnight gold."

Having taken up fencing in 2012, the athlete developed a tireless joy reaching new levels as his second coach Gavrila Spiridon said, calling his athlete the most promising German wheelchair fencer.

"He wants to know everything and seems to adjust all new information into his performance."

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)