James Docherty writes for Newcastle University’s The Courier on what you need to know ahead of this year’s Olympics:

So, there are now less than 12 weeks until the Olympic Games start in London. Your tickets have arrived and you missed out on the 100 metres final, the beach volleyball, and possibly everything else you were actually wanting to see.

Instead you’ve got something you would never have thought of watching were it not for the occasion. For those of you wanting to embrace the slightly less well-known sports, here’s a short primer for a few of the less popular events that will be hitting the capital in the summer.

Fencing

Three Weapons  (Epee, Foil and Sabre) fought between two people for three periods of three minutes with the first to 15 winning.

Foil and Epee score with the point by a thrusting hit, Sabre scores with the blade through a slashing motion. Points are only valid if on-target: In Foil this means on the Torso, Sabre above the waist and Epee anywhere on the body.

Team GB Chances: Richard Kruse (Men’s Foil) and Natalia Sheppard (Women’s Foil) both have an outside chance of a medal, either individually or in teams.

Who to watch: Italy is a powerhouse of Fencing, with Andrea Cassara (Men’s Foil) and Valentina Vezzali (Women’s Foil) dominant.

What to say: “What a fantastically timed stop-hit by Kruse!”

What not to say: “This is nothing like Game of Thrones!”

Full article here.