Mark Rakita was one of the best of the first generation of outstanding Jewish fencers in the Soviet Union. A sabre specialist, Rakita won team gold medals at the 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games and a silver medal in individual sabre at the 1968 Games.

At the 1967 World Championships, Rakita captured gold medal honors in Individual Sabre, leading his Soviet team to the team championship. He also won a silver medal in Individual Sabre at the 1971 World Championships, and the following World Team honors: gold medals in 1965, 1969, 1970, 1971, and bronze medals in 1962, 1963.