Branimir (“Ben”) Zivkovic
Fencing Innovator, Coach and Fencer

Zivkovic and his company, Zivkovic Modern Fencing Equipment, Inc. (https://zivkovic.com), have been inventing and producing innovative fencing equipment since 1974. At the October 2006 World Championships in Torino, Italy, FIE awarded Zivkovic a gold medal for his equipment innovations and contributions to the sport of fencing, including:
Starting in 1974, Zivkovic created and manufactured the first World aluminum strips and worked with FIE to have them approved for competition at the 1976 Olympics. They became, and remain, the standard for fencing competitions worldwide, all NACs to World Cups to the Olympics.
In 1996, in response to a request from FIE head Rene Roch for a mask that would enhance spectator
appreciation, Zivkovic developed the transparent visor mask, standard for FIE competition until 2013. One is permanently displayed at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Whatever your opinion of the visor mask, FIE adopted it to promote fencing. As Zivkovic might say, we must always try to the improve image of our sport in new equipment as well as new format of fencing.
Over the years, Zivkovic developed many new designs of orthopedic/pistol grip handles, allowing veterans and others to enjoy fencing with reduced hand stress and pain.
More than 20 years ago, Zivkovic introduced epee and foil bell guards that protect wires from breakage by running them through a channel in the guard itself.
Zivkovic re-imagined electric wheelchair fencing by developing a bumper system that allows competitors to move on the strip in motorized, joystick-controlled chairs. Though this system must be approved by FIE, it would allow electric wheelchair athletes a broader competitive experience than the present fixed chair system.
In addition to his equipment innovations, Zivkovic has a long and significant history as a coach and fencer.