NATHALIE MOELLHAUSEN

Nathalie Moellhausen is celebrated for her exceptional talent as an épée fencer—so much so that she earned the prestigious title of World Champion. Not only did she fulfil her personal goals, but she also brought glory to Brazil by becoming the country’s first-ever world champion in fencing—an unmatched accomplishment among Brazilian fencers to this day.

I had the opportunity to meet Nathalie at the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, where she was preparing for an upcoming event—once again demonstrating her championship spirit. This time, the occasion was devoted to a noble cause rooted in humanitarian ideals.

Nathalie is a multifaceted individual—an Artistic Director, performer, and the founder of 5 TOUCH.

Over the past 12 years, she has showcased remarkable skill in balancing sport with artistic ambition—whether directing high-profile events for the International Fencing Federation at the iconic Grand Palais in Paris or collaborating with acclaimed artist Eduardo Kobra to create three masks for the project titled “Be The Hero Of Yourself.”

Nathalie unveiled masks representing iconic figures such as Gandhi and Mother Teresa, along with a lion symbolising the strength of sport in Brazil and Paris. The next exhibition is scheduled for May at the Hôtel de Crillon.

In June, Sotheby’s Paris will auction these masks, and the proceeds will be donated to ten social fencing institutions. The funds will support the purchase of equipment, travel expenses, and scholarships for top young fencers preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Nathalie’s mission is to continue fostering cultural and athletic exchange between Brazil and France through innovative artistic and social initiatives.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, this revered former champion invites us to step into her artistic universe and experience the mastery of fencing. Through this encounter, we witness how the sport’s core values and techniques inspire people of all ages to chase their dreams and become heroes in their own right.

The recent “Be The Hero Of Yourself” event at the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris offered a one-of-a-kind learning experience. As guests gathered at the entrance of the salon, we were asked to wear a fencing mask before entering the room.

It was an unusual feeling—seated as though at a fashion show, yet with fencing masks veiling our faces.

Looking around, I couldn’t help but feel the anonymity behind the mask. Suddenly, I understood what Nathalie meant by fearlessness. Through her mask experiment, I realised that we often fear expressing our true emotions. But hiding behind a mask allows us to overcome that fear.

Sometimes we feel suppressed or embarrassed and choose not to speak—but with a mask on, we gain the confidence to voice our authentic thoughts.

Hiding our emotions behind a mask can be a powerful psychological experience. Yet, it’s important to strive for courage and face reality unmasked.

When we remove the mask, we may feel liberated—able to express ourselves freely. After I took off mine, I felt a sense of freedom. But I can imagine that for some, keeping their feelings hidden behind a mask may also feel freeing.

This mask experience delivered a powerful psychological message—that we all have the capacity to be heroes, and we should never fear our beliefs. It was a unique and special moment. As the event continued, we saw Nathalie and a young boy wearing a fencing mask step onto the runway. Nathalie whispered something in his ear, and together they walked along the runway—followed by several fencing demonstrations that combined exhibition with technical performance. We even witnessed a fencing match between Nathalie and another fencer. It was unusual—the atmosphere in the room was intense. This event was truly a unique expression of her artistry, blending fencing with philanthropy in an unforgettable experience.