Elina Svitolina jumps to the defense of Olga Harlan as the Ukrainian fencer was disqualified after winning the match for refusing to shake hands with her Russian opponent
Elina Svitolina took to Twitter to denounce Olga Harlan's disqualification from the World Fencing Championship.
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Olga Harlan and Elina Svitolina (Credits: Olympics and WTA tour)
During the recent World Fencing Championship, Ukrainian fencer Olga Harlan became the center of controversy when she refused to shake hands with her Russian opponent, Anna Smirnova. The fallout from this incident resulted in Harlan’s disqualification. This sparked a debate about sportsmanship amidst political tensions. Elina Svitolina, Ukraine’s top tennis player, has stepped forward to voice her support for Harlan, emphasizing the importance of respecting Ukraine’s position.
In a tweet, Elina Svitolina wrote, “We do not shake hands with Russian and Belarusian athletes. This is our position! I urge international sports organizations and federations to respect our decision. All my love and respect to Olga Harlan.”
The incident occurred during a match between Olga Harlan and ‘neutral’ Russian fencer Anna Smirnova. Harlan, a Ukraine native, made a conscious decision not to shake hands with Smirnova given her Russian nationality. This act of protest led to an hour-long delay in the proceedings, as officials considered the implications of the “lack of respect” protest. Ultimately, Harlan was disqualified, prematurely ending her participation in the championship.
Harlan’s decision to refuse the handshake garnered support from her native country Ukraine. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, prominent journalists, bloggers, public figures and football clubs from Ukraine expressed solidarity with Harlan. Elina Svitolina, the country’s renowned tennis player, also lent her support to Harlan.
Also read: Rafael Nadal’s 2024 season at mercy of Carlos Alcaraz claims Toni Nadal
WTA’s action towards no handshake policy of Ukrainian players
A month back, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) issued a statement. It clarified that the refusal to shake hands with athletes from certain countries is a personal choice made by Ukrainian tennis players. This clarification followed a series of incidents where Ukrainian and opposing athletes were jeered by tennis spectators for their lack of handshakes. The WTA acknowledged the Ukrainian players’ decision and stated that it would be respected.
In an interview with the “Tribuna” portal, Olga Harlan expressed her support for Elina Svitolina. Harlan commended Svitolina for her staunch refusal to shake hands amid the crowd’s disapproval.“When Elina Svitolina defeats a Russian player three times in a row, she becomes a hero. She refuses to shake hands despite the crowd’s jeers. I am incredibly proud of her,” Olga said.
Harlan also drew attention to the actions of “neutral” athletes who, while claiming neutrality, liked photos associated with the war, military figures, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “If they, as neutrals, like photos related to war, tanks, and Putin, is that really neutrality? Thus, I believe we must reach out to the world because many people see us and listen to us. It is morally challenging when you compete against individuals who are part of a country responsible for killings. But it is our duty to fight using these methods, in my opinion,” said Olga Harlan.
Vadym Gutzeit, the Minister of Youth and Sports in the Ukrainian government, disclosed that a meeting was held between the Ukrainian Fencing Federation, its president, head coach, and members of international federations. During the meeting, it was reiterated that Ukrainian athletes would henceforth not shake hands but would offer a salute, congratulate their opponents, and leave the piste (fencing strip).
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Ketan Kunkalikar
(129 Articles Published)