Ukrainian Olga Kharlan could end her career due to the situation with the Russian at the World Cup
Ukrainian saber fencer Olga Kharlan again spoke about the situation with Russian Anna Smirnova at the 2023 World Fencing Championships. She is quoted by The Guardian.
“I accepted it, believed that it was all over. That’s when I felt the worst in my life. I found out that I would fight a Russian three days before the tournament and couldn’t believe that this was happening,” she said, noting that she could have ended her career because of this situation.
Harlan also said that during the fight the referee almost cried. “I begged him not to show the black card, but I knew it was not his decision. If it had been his, he would have done it right away. With this black card they destroyed everyone: the referee, me, my federation, my country,” the athlete emphasized.
On July 27, Smirnova and Kharlan met in the 1/32 finals of the World Championship. The winning Ukrainian refused to shake hands with her opponent, but the Russian woman decided to wait for the gesture, without which, according to the regulations, the fight could not be considered completed. As a result, Smirnova left the site without waiting for the return of Harlan, who was later disqualified.
On July 28, the International Olympic Committee granted Harlan an automatic right to compete at the 2024 Games. Later, the International Fencing Federation announced the lifting of the Ukrainian’s suspension, giving her the opportunity to take part in the team tournament. In addition, the organization abolished mandatory handshakes after fights.
Source: Lenta
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