Fencer’s Outburst Could Cost US Team Berth at 2024 Paris Olympics

The U.S. fencing team is in hot waters. A fencer’s critical error has resulted in a tense situation for the team and fans alike. This violent mistake may have ruined the long-term efforts of the U.S. fencing team to participate in the Paris Olympics in 2024. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 19 fencers qualified for the Fencing team. Nick Itkin, Gerek Meinhardt, and Alexander Maaialas were able to secure the 12th, 17th, and 18th positions, respectively.

In the qualifiers leading up to Paris, the team was expected to achieve a top-tier position. The prospects of the U.S. fencing team joining the big game of 24, however, now seem in jeopardy.

Curtis McDowald’s biggest mistake

On Monday, Curtis McDowald competed in the Pan American fencing championship. The fencer lost the semifinals, receiving a red card at the decisive point in Lima, Peru. After the loss, McDowald’s opponent tried to shake his hand, but he angrily slapped it. The loss displayed a high level of unprofessionalism as the fencer eventually kicked a free-standing banner in an outrage episode.

In a video, Curtis was seen damaging the property at the championship. The rest of the team could be seen trying to contain the aggravated fencer, while he constantly smashed his foot through the banner.

Consequentially, Curtis cost the whole U.S. team an absolute disqualification. The U.S. men’s épée team is now out of the championship, however, what makes this disqualification worse are the chances of missing out on the ever-so-important Olympics Paris 2024. The 27-year-old’s mistake prevented the U.S. from playing in the bronze-medal match.

This raging episode led to a black card for the player. In the beginning, the U.S. had the highest rank in the championships, however, the black card means zero points from the Pan-American championship for Olympics qualification. In a press release statement, USA Fencing said, “We are disappointed by Curtis’s actions and regret that they have harmed Team USA’s chances of fielding a men’s épée team for the 2024 Olympics.”  As the dust settles over the incident, what lies ahead for Curtis McDowald?

Also read: Tokyo Olympics 2020: Brother-Sister Duo from New York City to represent the United States in Fencing

A hearing was held to prevent such behavior in the future. According to the national governing authority, Curtis McDonald is no longer a member of the team. The 27-year-old player is no longer a member of the Pan-American Championship.

Curtis’ mistake has also disqualified him from participating in the World Champions. This action went on to affect the lives of hundreds who worked hard to secure a position in the Olympics. One wrong move shattered many dreams. Also, Curtis will carry this unfortunate with him forever. Now only time will tell if the US has a chance of participating in the Paris Olympics game of 2024.

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