Ukrainian fencer rejects Russian opponent's handshake and delivers country's first gold medal

Women's fencer Olga Kharlan won Ukraine's first medal at the 2024 Olympics and celebrated the bittersweet journey that got her there.

“I can say I wouldn't change anything,” Kharlan told reporters after beating South Korea's Choi Sebin 15-14 to win a bronze medal.

“What I went through represents my country, what happens, and I wouldn't change anything. This is my story,” added the 33-year-old fencer.

“I dedicate this medal to Ukraine, to the Ukrainian armed forces, to the Ukrainian athletes who could not compete in the Olympics because they were killed by Russia”: powerful words from Olga Kharlan after winning bronze in fencing today for Ukraine #Olympic Games in Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/JcGgzm7gdQ

— Olga Tokariuk (@olgatokariuk) July 29, 2024

Ukraine is represented in Paris, France by the smallest number of athletes in its history at the Summer Games with only 140 athletes, as 487 Ukrainian athletes have died since the country was invaded by Russia in 2022. Due to of the ongoing conflict, Russia was not allowed to participate in the event this year.

Kharlan was disqualified from competition after she refused to shake hands with her Russian opponent during the 2023 World Fencing Championships. She was slapped with a two-month ban and feared her Olympic aspirations would be derailed, as the championship is considered a key qualifier for international games.

“However, the International Olympic Committee later granted him a 'single exception' and a guaranteed place in Paris. Fencing's governing body also rescinded the disqualification and two-month ban, and even went so far as to pass an official rule declaring handshakes after combat optional.” Fox News reported

His emotional reaction after the bout electrified the crowd.

First Olympic medal for Ukraine won by fencing world champion Olga Kharlan!#Paris2024 https://t.co/imd4Y1SCcw pic.twitter.com/1272vis4LC

— Igor Sushko (@igorushko) July 29, 2024

“I brought a medal for my country, and it's the first, and it will be a good start for all our athletes who are here because it's very difficult to compete when your country is at war,” said Kharlan. “Every medal is like gold. I don't care (that) it's bronze. It's gold.”

“Ukraine, I love you, this is for you, dear, this is for you!”

Olga Kharlan wins bronze in women's saber at the 2024 Olympics. This is Ukraine's first medal at the games. pic.twitter.com/CFIQu4nQCW

— Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) July 29, 2024

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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida, where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

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