French fencer Auriane Mallo-Breton faced a heartbreaking defeat in the women's team épée final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, losing to Italy in sudden death.

Just days earlier, she had also narrowly missed out on gold in the individual event.

Despite leading her team and showing great promise, Mallo-Breton was unable to secure victory, leaving her in tears after the match.

However, she and her teammates, including Marie-Florence Candassamy, Coraline Vitalis, and Alexandra Louis-Marie, celebrated their silver medals, marking a significant achievement for French women's épée, which hadn't seen a podium finish since 2004. Coach Hervé Faget, who took over the team in 2021, has been instrumental in rebuilding the squad, leading them to this historic moment.

Mallo-Breton, now ranked second in the world, reflects on her journey from a tough start to a remarkable Olympic performance.