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RESULTS: Ukraine's World Champion Olha Kharlan Allowed to Fence Again [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-07-30

Olha Kharlan, Ukraine’s World Champion Female Fencer, was allowed to compete in the Women’s World Team Championship in Fencing. She was suspended from the individual completion after defeating her Russian foe 15 to 7. Instead of shaking hands, as required, Olha stuck her sword out to the hand of her opponent. For this breech of rules, Olha was given a Black Card, disqualifying her from further competition.

Her Russian opponent was competing as an International Neutral Athlete. The International Fencing Federation is one of the few international bodies of sport that is allowing Russian athletes to compete as neutrals without a flag. (Their decision is very controversial.) Olha does not regard her opponent as neutral, but as a supporter of the Russian Military, in which her brother is serving.

The International Olympic Committee strongly disagreed with the International Fencing Federation’s actions. In a highly unusual move, they invited her to the Olympics because her disqualification from the World Championship means that she is unlikely to qualify for the Olympics.

On Friday, the International Fencing Federation reversed itself, and will allow Olha to compete in the team competition for Ukraine. (The Black Card stopped her advancement in the individual event.)

Olha’s weapon of choice is the saber. It is the most difficult of the three weapons — foil, epee, and saber. It is also the most realistic to the average person, as hitting the opponent anywhere on the body with any part of the blade scores a hit.

The World Championships is taking place now in Milan, Italy. Not sure how to watch this event.

SOURCES

Olha, including Black Card incident: en.wikipedia.org/…

International Fencing Federation: en.wikipedia.org/…

Announcement of Decision to Let Olha compete: fie.org/...

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/7/30/2183980/-Ukraine-s-World-Champion-Olha-Kharlan-Allowed-to-Fence-Again

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