Borel's journey in fencing took a significant turn when he moved to mainland France after completing high school in 2007. He joined Levallois SC in France and made his international debut for France in 2009. His right-handed epee style has earned him nicknames like "Le Boss" and "Le Lion". French fencer Ulrich Robeiri has been the most influential person in his career.

Achievements and Injuries

Borel's most memorable sporting achievement came when he won gold in individual epee at the 2018 World Championships in Wuxi, China. He also won a gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, for which he was named a Knight of the Legion of Honour. However, his career has not been without setbacks. In early 2023, a broken bone in his foot kept him out of competition for several months. He also underwent wrist surgery in August 2018, requiring six months of rehabilitation.

Return to Form

Despite these challenges, Borel made a strong comeback. In March 2024, he won his first individual international title since the 2022 European Championships by clinching victory at the Grand Prix in Budapest, Hungary. This win marked his return to form after his foot injury. Borel aims to win gold medals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Personal Life and Other Activities

Borel balances his athletic career with his role as a customs officer under a special contract that allows him to train and compete internationally. He is multilingual, speaking Creole, English, and French. He holds a degree in Physical Education from the National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP) in Paris.

In addition to fencing, Borel has contributed to the sport through various roles. He was named a member of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) athletes' commission in 2017 and 2022. In 2019, he launched the Yannick Borel Challenge, a youth fencing tournament in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

Family and Personal Interests

Borel often returns to Guadeloupe with his family to recharge. He is married to Annia and has three children: son Andre and daughters Anelia (born 2017) and Alyna (born 2022). His connection to Guadeloupe remains strong, providing him with psychological rejuvenation.

Film Work

In 2023, Borel worked as a fencing instructor on the French movie 'The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan'. His role involved helping actors handle swords with ease and perform necessary movements accurately.

Borel's journey from Guadeloupe to becoming an elite fencer is inspiring. With his eyes set on the Paris Olympics, he continues to work hard to achieve his goals while balancing multiple roles effectively.