Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson finishes 13th in prestigious fencing tournament

Bruce Dickinson, the iconic frontman of heavy metal band Iron Maiden, recently competed in a prestigious fencing tournament in Fâches-Thumesnil, northern France, showcasing his impressive skills in the sport. The 66-year-old singer, who has been passionate about fencing since childhood, finished 13th out of 31 competitors in the veterans’ category at the Circuit Européen 2025 tournament, after losing to Pascal Jolyot, a former Olympic gold medalist.

Dickinson, known for his multifaceted talents, has a long history with fencing, having trained with the British Olympic fencing squad during the 1980s. His participation in the tournament highlights his continued dedication to the sport, despite his global fame as a rock star. Reflecting on his return to the region, Dickinson shared a personal memory with La Voix du Nord, saying, “The last time I came here (to Lille), it was in 2000 with Iron Maiden to do rehearsals for the world tour. But now, I am here for a fencing competition—a veteran foil for older people, like me.”

In his final match, Dickinson faced off against Jolyot, who boasts an impressive fencing career, including three Olympic medals: a gold in the team foil event and a silver in the individual men’s foil event at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Despite his loss, Dickinson was gracious in his praise of Jolyot’s skills, acknowledging him as a formidable opponent.

The tournament was ultimately won by German fencer Hans Martin Raeker, but Dickinson’s participation garnered attention for the Fâches-Thumesnil fencing club, which received praise for hosting such a distinguished competitor. Patrick Proisy, the mayor of Fâches-Thumesnil, took to social media to express his excitement, writing, “An international star in Fâches-Thumesnil: Bruce Dickinson!!!”

While Dickinson is best known for his musical achievements, his career spans beyond music. In addition to his success with Iron Maiden, he has a diverse range of interests and talents. One notable endeavor is his passion for brewing beer, adding another creative outlet to his repertoire. He is also a licensed commercial pilot, having accumulated over 7,500 flying hours. His dedication to these pursuits reflects his drive to excel in many areas of life.

Dickinson’s fencing accomplishments are part of a broader trend of musicians who have found success in sports. Chelcee Grimes, a songwriter for major pop stars like Dua Lipa and Kylie Minogue, also enjoyed a career in soccer, having played for top English clubs including Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton. Similarly, the legendary Latin artist Julio Iglesias, known for his record-breaking music career, once played as a goalkeeper for Real Madrid’s reserve team before pursuing his musical path.

Additionally, singer-songwriter Jack Johnson made his mark in the world of surfing, becoming the youngest invitee to the Pipeline Masters in Hawaii at just 17 years old. These musicians demonstrate that athletic prowess and artistic talent can go hand in hand, and Dickinson’s fencing success adds to this impressive list.

Dickinson’s participation in the Circuit Européen 2025 tournament not only underscores his dedication to fencing but also his willingness to challenge himself outside the music world. His performance, while not resulting in a win, further solidifies his status as someone who thrives in diverse pursuits. As he continues to balance his musical career, passion for aviation, and love for fencing, Bruce Dickinson remains an inspiring figure, proving that there are no limits to what one can achieve with determination and passion.

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