Frantisek Janda passes away on route to Tokyo World Cup

(Image courtesy of Augusto Bizzi and the Italian Fencing Federation.)

British Fencing is sad to announce that the President of the European Fencing Confederation, Frantisek Janda, has passed away during a flight to Tokyo where he was due to attend this weekend’s Men’s Foil World Cup.

Early reports suggest that President Janda, who was 48 years old, suffered from a heart attack that ended his life.  Having recently been re-elected to the position of EFC President, the Czech Republic national was also a member of the FIE’s Executive Committee.

A fencing fan, first and foremost, President Janda had a collection of fencing memorabilia that was the envy of many.  He lent much of his collection to the touring exhibition hosted by the FIE during its centennial year.

British Fencing’s President, Hilary Philbin, said: “I am shocked to hear the news about Frantisek, which is very sad indeed.  Frantisek has made a huge contribution to the world of fencing and to Europe in particular.  He will be very much missed.”

British Fencing extends its condolences to President Janda’s friends and family, the European Fencing Confederation and the fencing community in the Czech Republic.