 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1956-02-02)2 February 1956 (age 70) Paris, France |
Spouse | Dr.Isabelle Spennato |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Fencing |
Jean-François Lamour (born 2 February 1956 inParis) is a French formerfencer and currentpolitician and cabinet minister. During his fencing career, Lamour achieved various athletic accomplishments, notably qualifying for the 1987 world championship. He earned two gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal insabre Olympic events between 1984 and 1988.[1][2]
After retiring from fencing, Lamour entered politics and served as the sports and youth counselor to theMayor of Paris from 1993 to 1995. In 2002, he assumed the position of minister of sport, and later in 2004, he took on additional responsibilities for youth.
Lamour is married toDr. Isabelle Spennato, a former French fencer who currently holds the position of president of the French Fencing Federation.[citation needed]
Lamour began hisfencing journey at the age of eight and attained his first notable win in 1971 at the French junior championship in Sabrefencing when he reached the age of 15.
Four years subsequent to that achievement, in 1975, Lamour advanced to the semifinals during theWorld Championship, which took place inBucharest. Over the next few years, he broke the national record by winning the Champion ofFrance title 13 times between 1977 and 1992.
During this time, he won a silver medal in the individual Sabre event at the1983 Mediterranean Games. In the next year he achieved the gold medal at the1984 Summer Olympics inLos Angeles. And later on in 1987, he became the World Champion inLausanne.[3] In 1988, Lamour received the prestigious Master of Saber prize. A few months later, he won a second gold medal inSeoul.
Under the guidance of his new coach, László Szepesi, who hails fromHungary, Lamour underwent further training as a part of the French national team.[4] In 2002, Lamour took on the role ofFrance'sMinister of Sports.
