Ukrainian fencer Kharlan "disqualified" for not shaking hands after historic win against Russian opponent

Sports    27-Jul-2023
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Fencer Olga Kharlan became the first athlete representing Ukraine to compete against a Russian or Belarusian since Russia’s invasion last year when she took on Anna Smirnova on July 27 at the world championships.
 

Ukrainian fencer Kharlan  
 
Ukraine's four-time world sabre champion faced off against Russian Anna Smirnova on Thursday at the world championships in Milan, Italy. The Ukrainian sports ministry on Wednesday changed its previous policy from barring athletes from facing Russians or Belarusians competing as neutrals.
 
Kharlan came out victorious, but as Smirnova stepped forward at the end of the bout to shake hands, which is at least customary if not required in the sport, the Ukrainian instead held out her blade to stop her approaching.
 
While it wasn't picked up on the microphones clearly over the sound of cheers from the stands, Kharlan - holding her blue and yellow painted helmet to one side - was also seen exchanging words with her opponent after beating her 15-7 in the bout.
 
The Ukrainian ahead of the contest had said that she would refuse to shake Smirnova's hand. Meanwhile, Smirnova then spent about 50 minutes on the strip, half of it sitting in a chair, while at times speaking with at least three different officials. It delayed competition.
 
 
Now, according to the reports the Ukrainian fencer has been disqualified for not shaking hands against her Russian opponent. Kharlan was later given a “black card” by officials, eliminating her from the rest of the individual competition. Smirnova was not advanced, though.
 
 
The FIE has not said why Kharlan was disqualified.
Kharlan is one of Ukraine’s most decorated athletes across all sports with four Olympic medals and 15 world championships medals.
Ukraine Russia Olga Kharlan Smirnova Anna Smirnova Fencing