Manon Apithy-Brunet (born 7 February 1996) is a French right-handed sabrefencer, 2018 team world champion, two-time Olympian, 2021 team Olympic silver medalist, and 2021 individual Olympic bronze medalist.[1] She won the individual event in 2024 at her home Olympics in Paris by beating her fellow countrywoman, Sara Balzer in the all-French gold medal bout.[2]
Personal life
Brunet was born in Lyon, France. She is the only child of her parents. Her father, Philippe Brunet, played football for French Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais. She began fencing at age seven at the Sabre au Clair club in Lyon, France. Her potential was soon noticed by the national training hub [Pole Espoir] in Orleans, France, which led to her joining the Cercle d'Escrime Orleanais club at the age of 15 and eventually the National Institute for Sport, Expertise and Performance [INSEP] in Paris, France.[3]
Brunet started off with taekwondo and dancing but did not enjoy either of them. A friend of hers suggested that she try fencing. She was attracted to fencing at first because it was kind of funny. The idea of wearing some sort of disguise amused her. Brunet loved the idea of herself being the only girl at her fencing club.[3]
Brunet got a degree in marketing at EDHEC Business School.[3] Brunet married fellow French sabre fencer Boladé Apithy in 2021.
