Giuliano, you are an international referee, and you know Max Heinzer as a top athlete. How would you describe your relationship with him?

Giuliano: My relationship with Max has always been one of mutual respect. He always accepted my decisions, even if he didn’t always agree with me. He was always a gentleman and a real fighter.

Can you remember the first time you met Max? Can you tell us about it?

To be honest, I don’t remember the first time. I remember very well when he won the European Championships in Team Event in Legnano in 2012. When he won in Tallinn always in Team Event in 2013 World Cup. I was the referee, and I remember his famous back flick. Fantastic fencing.

A top athlete like Max needs a reliable and honest entourage. Can you briefly describe how you perceived his sporting career from your point of view? And can you remember a situation that was difficult for him and for you as a referee?

My point of view about his sporting career is outstanding great. Very focused on his job. I remember in Rio 2016 the match he had with the Korean fencer Park to get into the first four. He had pain in one of his legs, so he couldn’t show all his skills. I was very sad to see that situation, as a man and as a referee. Probably, in good shape, he could have won this important match.

Can you describe Max as a person and as a top athlete from your point of view?

Max has always been a very nice person and athlete, with me and all my colleagues, in and out of the venue.

What were some special, memorable moments that you were able to experience with Max during his career?

I remember very well in Bern in 2015. Day of the Team Event. Switzerland vs Korea. The score was extremely in favor of the opponent. If I remember well 12 or 13 touches. Max made a great performance and got back on track with the score.

What was your reaction when you heard that Max was retiring?

“My first reaction? I was petrified and incredulous. I think that Max could give more and more like a fencer.”

Giuliano – under the aspect of “change”: Max is now President of Swiss Fencing and a new phase of his life is beginning. What do you wish him for the future? And how would you make your job as a referee attractive to others so that we have enough referees at the top level in the future?

I’m sure that Max will do a great job. His knowledge of the fencing world is very deep.

The way to get people to take up refereeing is through passion for this fantastic sport. With competence, hard work and passion, anybody can be successful.