Fencer Guilherme Murray receives fair play distinction

Many athletes win medals for their sporting results. But São Paulo native Guilherme Murray, now 14, earned an even more laudable achievement for something he did when he was only 12. The fencer received the International Fair Play Diploma from the hands of the Minister of Sport, Leonardo Picciani. The award, given to Murray this Sunday at Casa Brasil, is a recognition of his sportsmanship for alerting the referee of a mistake that would have given him a victory in the Pan American Fencing Championships in Aruba.

Guilherme was duelling Peruvian Felipe Scaccabarozzi for the last-sixteen stage of the tournament when a strike was awarded in his favour. With the cancellation of the strike, the Brazilian was eliminated and left to standing ovations by the audience. The gesture was recognised by the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), a body of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Guilherme said that he is recognised on the street sometimes for what he did, but that in the fencing universe it is common that athletes point out mistakes as he did. "It is very rare for someone not to say anything, but this was seen as something out of the ordinary," he said, with the same modesty he had shown at the competition two years ago.

Minister Picciani said it is important to exalt good examples so others can be inspired to follow, especially during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. "Guilherme did not win that duel, but proved to have a true champion's soul. He has already taken a big step with his strength of character," he said.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Jenno Kamutti, President of the CIFP, Sunil Sabharwal, representing the International Fencing Federation, and Guilherme's father, Alberto Murray Neto.

Casa Brasil Team