4x Olympian Olga Kharlan gets ‘unique exception’ for 2024 Paris Games following her disqualification over handshake snub
After being disqualified form the Fencing World Championship for refusing to shake hands with Russian fencer Anna Smirnova, Ukrainian international Olga Kharlan has received special invitation from IOC.
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Olga Kharlan (Pic Credit: CNN)
On Friday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued a special invitation to Ukraine fencer Olga Kharlan, after she was disqualified for shaking hands with her opponent. The four-time Olympic medalist had refused to shake hands with her Russian competitor, Anna Smirnova at the fencing world championship. Kharlan now has an automatic spot at the 2024 Paris Games following the intervention of the IOC.
This dispute is related to the ongoing global conflict between the two European countries. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes were been banned from sporting events. They are now allowed to participate and appear at the next Olympic event in Paris if they agree to the IOC guidelines.
As per the International Fencing Federation, a player who refuses to shake hands with their opponents, will receive a black card and expulsion. Kharlan refused to shake hands with Anna Smirnova after beating her 15-7. However, IOC chief Thomas Blak has now given her a direct spot at the next marquee event in Paris.
“The war against your country, the suffering of the people in Ukraine … all this is a roller coaster of emotions and feelings,” Bach said in his statement. The IOC chief would further admire her strength in her handling of this situation and expressed his full support to her. “I would like to express my full support for you,” he mentioned.
Olga Kharlan allowed to participate in team events following IOC’ intervention
The events that took shape over the last couple of days surprised everyone. Olga Kharlan’s refusal to shake hands with Anna Smirnova and her suspension soon started trending. While several came in the 32-year-old fencer’s support, some condemned her action due to Smirnova competing as a neutral athlete. The Russian also staged a protest against this snub by the multi-time Olympian and world champion.
Following this action by Kharlan, she was banned from the qualifying events. The Ukraine federation later challenged this decision and the IOC later intervened in the matter. Kharlan will now be given the chance to qualify. If she fails to gather enough points for the qualification due to her ban, she will have an automatic spot at the 2024 Paris Games.
Kharlan later thanked the organization for its decision. She added how the most important thing for any athlete is the ability to compete for their family and country. While the FIE stands behind their decision, they have allowed the Ukrainian to compete in team events.
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Vinay Dave
(1807 Articles Published)