Luan Jujie was the first Asian fencer who won an Olympic gold medal. She, at the age of 25, claimed the title in women's foil individual for China at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Luan shocked the fencing world when she won the silver at the 1978 World Youth Championships after her arm was pierced by her rival's broken sword in a match.

Recognized as one of the best swordswomen in the world, she ranked No. 2 again at the 1981 World Championships. Then at the Sixth International Women's Fencing Tournament held in Germany in 1983, she beat a strong field in the individual foil event to become the first Asian fencer to win an international competition.

At the Los Angles Games, she topped the round robin with 17 wins and two losses, showing great resolution in grabbing the gold. In the final, she beat her rival without any hesitation, becoming the first Chinese and Asian Olympic fencing champion.

After retirement, Luan coached fencers in Canada and also competed in some games as an athlete. She has been a four-time Canadian national champion and even obtained a pass to compete in the 2000 Sydney Games at the age of 43.

"I am doomed to be connected with fencing for the entire life. I wish my children to carry on my career and the Chinese fencers to continue progress," Luan said.

Profile

Name: Luan Jujie
Gender: Female
Date of birth: 1958.09.14
Place of birth: Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

Sport: Fencing
Personal best: 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games - 1st foil

High performances:
1978 World Youth Championships - 2nd foil (first Asian fencer to enter the event since 1901)
1978 Asian Games - 1st foil
1981 World Championships - 2nd foil
1983 World Championships - 1st foil
1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games - 1st foil
1986 World University Games - 1st foil team

(Source: qq.com / Translated by womenofchina.cn)