Pauty began fencing at the age of five at the Mousquetaires d'Issy les Moulineaux club in Paris. He also played football until he was 14, after which he decided to focus solely on fencing. At 19, he moved to the National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP) to train with the French national team.

Why Fencing?

Pauty was inspired by his childhood heroes, Zorro and D'Artagnan, to take up fencing. He found that the foil suited him best. "Fencing is more than just a sport," he said. "It has taught me hard work, respect for others, and has helped complete my education."

Coaching and Training

Pauty trains under national coaches Emeric Clos and Edouard Dumont. He is right-handed and continues to represent the Mousquetaires d'Issy les Moulineaux club in Paris.

Memorable Achievements

Pauty's notable achievements include winning gold in team foil at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and at the 2019 European Championships in Dusseldorf. These victories are among his most cherished sporting moments.

Philosophy and Inspirations

Pauty admires Italian fencer Valentina Vezzali. His sporting philosophy revolves around patience and enjoying the journey rather than focusing solely on the end goal. "It's OK to chase big dreams, but you have to enjoy the journey," he said.

Awards and Honours

In 2021, Pauty received the National Order of the Legion of Honour from the president of France. This is the highest French order of merit.

Ambitions for Paris 2024

Pauty aims to win both individual and team foil titles at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. He hopes that France hosting the Games will inspire a new generation of French youth, much like how he was inspired by France's 1998 World Cup-winning football team.

Post-Tokyo Break

After winning gold in Tokyo, Pauty struggled with motivation and took a three-month break from fencing in mid-2022. He returned to training at INSEP in September 2022, ready to make sacrifices to achieve his goals for Paris 2024.

Turning Point

Pauty's individual World Cup gold medal win in 2018 was a turning point for him. It boosted his self-belief after serving as a replacement for two years. "Winning a World Cup allowed me to believe in myself," he said.

Balancing Journalism and Fencing

Pauty studied journalism but decided to focus on fencing to achieve his dream of becoming a champion. Supported by the National Gendarmerie since 2019, he has contracts with both his club and the Gendarmerie, allowing him to make a living from fencing.

Pauty's journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for fencing. As he prepares for Paris 2024, his story continues to inspire many aspiring athletes.