His countryman Győző Kulcsár, the 1968 gold medalist, earned bronze this time to become the ninth man to win multiple medals in the men's individual épée.

Silver went to Jacques Ladègaillerie of France; the French épéeists, a power in the event from 1900 to 1932, earned their first individual medal in 40 years.

[2] Hong Kong and Turkey each made their debut in the event.

The United States appeared for the 15th time, most among nations, having missed only the 1908 edition of the event.

He "was rushed to the hospital but was rendered quadriplegic from uncertain causes, although a blood clot on the brain was suspected.