Edoardo Mangiarotti, celebrated as one of the greatest fencers in history, achieved an impressive tally of 13 Olympic medals during his career from 1936 to 1960, which was unparalleled until matched by contemporary athlete Arianna Fontana in short track speed skating at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. Mangiarotti's medal count includes 6 golds, 5 silvers, and 2 bronzes, showcasing his dominant performance in both the épée and foil disciplines over five Olympic editions.

As the son of Giuseppe Mangiarotti, who also competed in the Olympics, Edoardo had fencing in his blood. He remains a benchmark in the sport, holding more Olympic medals than any other fencer, with a remarkable lead over his closest competitor, Aladar Gerevich, who won 7 golds from 1932 to 1960. His legacy in fencing is not merely based on medal counts but also on his influence and advocacy for the sport, including his support for the legislation to promote sports in Italy.

Mangiarotti’s career spanned a quarter of a century, during which he not only excelled athletically but also contributed to the framework that governs sports in Italy. His achievements and milestones in fencing serve as an inspiration for future generations of athletes, and the recent equality of his Olympic record with Fontana's success highlights the enduring legacy he has left on the sport and the spirit of competition.