Take THAT!

Since November 4 and continuing through tomorrow, almost 1000 athletes from 110 countries are thrusting and parrying in Paris for the 2010 World Fencing Championships. The Big Picture has collected images from the first half of the competition – these are two of my favorites, but they’re all worth a viewing.

Think you’re a good lunger? Look at this:

Ukraine’s Olena Khomrova (left) faces Russia’s Dina Galiakbarova during their women’s team sabre final on November 9, 2010, at the Grand Palais in Paris. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Tempted to utter the words, “I can’t” or “It’s too hard”? Consider this:

Moez El Asine of France (right) and Chan Wing Kin of Hong Kong compete in the final of wheelchair sabre team competition at the 2010 the World Fencing Championships on November 9, 2010. (REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen)