Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How do body cords and reels allow fencers to move during an electric bout?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
fencing
Giovanna Trillini (rear) of Italy successfully defending her world champion foil title against Wang Huifeng of China at the 1992 Olympics.
In an electric fencing bout, fencers are connected to the scoring apparatus via body cords that attach to a spring-loaded reel (or spool) located at either end of the piste.12
These reels are designed to automatically retract and extend as the fencer moves up and down the strip, which keeps the cable taut, eliminates slack, and prevents the fencer from tripping during the match. The body cords link the fencer's weapon and conductive clothing to these reels, which are in turn connected to the scoring box to register hits. In the highest levels of competition, wireless systems may be used to eliminate the need for these physical reels entirely.12