His gesture had caused a lot of talk and caused a stir because of the interpretation of the International Fencing Federation (FIE). On Thursday, Ukrainian saber Olga Kharlan was disqualified from the Milan World Championships for refusing to shake hands with Russian Anna Smirnova, whom she had just beaten. “I gave a sign of respect to my opponent. The only thing I didn’t want to do was shake his hand and I had that option. I offered to greet us with sabers, and she didn’t,” explained Olga Kharlan, Olympic champion and six-time world champion.
In reaction to his disqualification, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had asked to show “sensitivity” towards Ukrainian athletes. “We expect the immediate consideration of this protest, so that this disqualification is canceled”, had launched the president of the Ukrainian fencing federation Mykhaïlo Illiachev.
Things moved in his favor on Friday. Ukrainian Sports Minister Vadym Gutzeit first relayed a letter written by IOC President Thomas Bach which assured Olga Kharlan, whose disqualification cost her very precious points, a place for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The International Fencing Federation modifies its rules
“In view of your particular situation, the International Olympic Committee will allocate you an additional quota for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the event that you are unable to qualify in the remaining period,” Thomas Bach wrote to the fencer. also giving him his support: “The war against your country, the suffering of the Ukrainian people, the uncertainty surrounding your participation in the World Fencing Championships in Milan, the internal conflicts that you and many of your colleagues may have and finally the events that took place yesterday (Thursday). It is admirable how you are handling this incredibly difficult situation and I want to express my full support. »
The FIE also acted. Its Comex met this Friday. He changed article t122 of his regulations which specified that a handshake must take place between the two fencers at the end of the matches. From now on, shaking hands with your opponent will no longer be mandatory, it will be possible to simply greet him with the weapon. Olga Kharlan’s disqualification was therefore lifted. After this day rich in twists and turns, the saber, reinstated, will therefore be able to compete in the team event from Saturday.
