Bolade Apithy, a seasoned French sabre fencer, has been a prominent figure in the sport since he began fencing at age six. He started at the ASPTT Dijon club in France and chose to focus on sabre from age 13. His journey was inspired by a photo of fencing he saw in a magazine.

| Season | Event | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Men's Individual Sabre | Last 32 |
| 2012 | Men's Individual Sabre | Last 32 |
Apithy resides in Orléans, France, with his wife, Manon Apithy-Brunet, who is also an accomplished fencer. The couple trains together at the Christian Bauer Academy in Orléans. Apithy believes that their mutual support and understanding significantly contribute to their performance on the piste.
Apithy's career has seen its share of ups and downs. He was disappointed with his performance at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where he placed 18th in individual sabre. After failing to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games, he focused on coaching his brother Yemi, who represented Benin at the Rio de Janeiro Games.
In 2018, Apithy saw an improvement in his results and secured his first World Cup Grand Prix victory in May 2019. He remarked, "It feels like all the work is finally paying off." This victory boosted his confidence after years of struggling with doubts and inconsistent results.
In 2016, Apithy received the Medal of the City of Dijon in France. His dedication to fencing has not only earned him accolades but also respect within the fencing community. His sporting philosophy is simple yet profound: "At a high level, it is sometimes forgotten that fencing remains, above all, fun."
Looking ahead, Apithy aims to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. He acknowledges that every Games could be his last and does not foresee himself competing in another Olympic cycle beyond Paris. This determination drives him to give his best performance on home soil.
Apithy's family has played a significant role in his fencing career. His brother Yemi represented Benin at the 2016 Olympic Games, while his wife Manon won silver in team sabre and bronze in individual sabre at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Their shared experiences provide daily support and motivation for each other.
Apithy holds a degree in Sports Management from the National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP) in Paris. This educational background complements his athletic career, providing him with valuable insights into sports management and performance optimisation.
Apithy has been coached by Christian Bauer at his club and Alain Coicaud at the national level. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping his career. Despite facing challenges with previous coaches, Apithy's perseverance led him to achieve significant milestones under their mentorship.
As Apithy prepares for what could be his final Olympic appearance, his journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring fencers. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering passion for the sport.
Bolade Apithy, a seasoned French sabre fencer, has been a prominent figure in the sport since he began fencing at age six. He started at the ASPTT Dijon club in France and chose to focus on sabre from age 13. His journey was inspired by a photo of fencing he saw in a magazine.