Yannick Borel
A French épée master whose explosive speed and tactical genius have dominated world fencing for over a decade.
Born 1988 (age 38)·French fencer·Birthday: November 5·Millennials
Biography
Yannick Borel emerged from the French fencing system not just as another talented athlete, but as a force of nature in the épée discipline. Born in 1988, he honed his craft at the INSEP national institute, developing a style marked by blistering attacks and an uncanny ability to seize the moment in a sport where a single point decides everything. His career is a testament to sustained excellence, peaking with an individual gold medal at the 2018 World Fencing Championships in Wuxi, a victory that cemented his status. Beyond individual glory, Borel has been the anchor of a formidable French team, leading them to Olympic gold in Rio 2016 and multiple world team titles. His presence on the strip is commanding, a blend of physical power and sharp intellect that has made him the athlete to beat in every major tournament for years.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Yannick was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Yannick Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Yannick's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the individual gold medal in épée at the 2018 World Fencing Championships in Wuxi.
- Secured an Olympic gold medal as part of the French men's épée team at the 2016 Rio Games.
- Led the French team to gold at the 2022 World Fencing Championships in Cairo.
- Earned multiple European Championship titles, both individually and with the French team.
Did You Know?
He is known for his distinctive, aggressive fencing style, often launching powerful, full-body attacks.
Borel is a graduate of the prestigious French national sports institute, INSEP.
He has a degree in sports management.
He served as the flag bearer for France at the opening ceremony of the 2023 European Games in Kraków.
“In épée, the entire body is the target; there is no time for hesitation.”
