The lesson of dignity by Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan who did not shake hands with russian athlete
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2023
- www.nbcsports.com/olympics/ne...
Olga Kharlan, an Olympic champion fencer from Ukraine, was disqualified from the world championships after not shaking hands after beating an opponent from Russia in the first round.
Kharlan won the bout 15-7 over Anna Smirnova from Russia. The International Fencing Federation (FIE), like some sports federations, allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in a neutral capacity without their national flag and anthem.
After the bout, Kharlan walked toward Smirnova and put out her sabre, rather than her hand, to acknowledge Smirnova (a practice allowed to replace the otherwise required handshake during the pandemic, but not anymore).
Smirnova walked toward Kharlan and put her hand out for a handshake. The two fencers stood in their differing positions for a few seconds, and then Kharlan walked off the strip.
“I wanted to show my respect somehow because, first of all, I came to the piste to fence against her,” the 32-year-old Kharlan said. “No Ukrainian athletes did it before [during the war], so I was the first one, and I showed my respect by fencing against her, and I won this match clearly and fair.”
Smirnova then spent about 50 minutes on the strip, half of it sitting in a chair, while at times speaking with at least three different officials. It delayed competition.
Kharlan was later given a “black card,” eliminating her from the rest of the individual competition. Smirnova was not advanced, though.
The FIE has not said why Kharlan was disqualified. Smirnova and her coaches declined comment.
The Ukraine Fencing Federation said that it was deeply outraged by Kharlan’s disqualification and was preparing an appeal. It said that Kharlan was disqualified after Smirnova protested that Kharlan showed a lack of respect.
FIE rule t.122B states that fencers must “salute and shake hands with their opponent” after a bout. If not, the rules state that the fencer faces disqualification.
Kharlan said she asked the FIE president, who is Greek, on Wednesday if she could acknowledge Smirnova with her sabre rather than a handshake and not be disqualified. She said the FIE president told her it would “probably” be possible.
Also Wednesday, Kharlan said she had a call with her family back in Ukraine, who were in their basement at the time due to air sirens.
Kharlan thought to herself, “I have to [fence Smirnova] because I have to fight. I have to fight for them.”
After Thursday’s bout, Kharlan said she heard from a lot of Ukrainian military who supported her.
“It makes me even more cry,” she said. “I’m thankful to them for what they do.”
The competition was the day after the Ukraine government changed a policy and gave the OK for its athletes to compete in Olympic qualifiers against individual athletes from Russia and Belarus who are participating in a neutral capacity.
The previous policy, from March 31, recommended not competing against Russians and Belarusians in any capacity
Olga Kharlan should be disqualified for her unsportsmanlike conduct. A shame for the sport
Oh... I learned something new. I hadn't realize that during covid, pulling the sabre was how they acknowledged each other after a fight, instead of a handshake.
Olena and everyone, I want to recommend seeing the movie Sound of Freedom if you have the opportunity. It is a true story about a man who rescues children from, I would say, hell on earth. I listened to an interview with him and found out last year he went to Ukraine, at his wife’s suggestion. She said there were some children there he needed to help. The movie now takes place mostly in Colombia, but he has traveled all over. Mel Gibson will be in a miniseries about him, a four part one, and one takes place in Ukraine.
Tim Ballard, the real life hero who rescues children, said that God does not ask you to do easy things, he asks you to do things that will rip your heart out. Stay strong by clinging to God!!! 🙏
How is spreading hate and indiscriminating politics and people teaching dignity? Her opponent never had any say in this war, her only crime is being a sister of a soldier, and trying to finish a duel the way regulations demand
Is there a rule about shaking hands or did they make it up on the spot?
Yes there is a rule about this. However, in my opinion the Russian athletes should not have been allowed to play representing their country, or at all . Glory to all the Ukrainian hero’s🎉🎉🎉
Disrespectful girl 👎 this sport isn't for her
@Baruk699 apparently she offered to cross swords which is an acceptable alternative in that sport, but the Russian refused.
@@carolevolcy7608 Specimene care instig@ la ură, n-au ce cauta într-o competiție sportivă internațională! Nu se pot numi SPORTIVI! ucrainenii să facă concursuri doar între ei!
Good for you Olga❤
Disrespectful 👎
🤣🤣🤣
Thank you for the clarity on this. A bunch of trolls or bots have been trying to imply that this ruling has already been overturned but I couldn't find any real news stories reporting that. It's good to know the facts.
Solo se que perdió
Fie on the FIE!!
Unfortunately she was disqualified for not shaking the hand of the other person who has a brother serving in the Russian army. The Russian apponent did not relinquish the win by default. Olga showed more pride in herself by accepting the decision of the officials. 🇺🇦
No way could I shake the hand of someone who's country's army had destroyed so much of my country and killed and wounded so many of the people... unless that person was genuinely against the war and had stated so publicly and in any Russian's case that would mean they they had left their country as they would have been jailed otherwise had they said so in Russia..
Disrespect the sport 👎
She showed aggression when turned blade toward the opponent (as fact who can't take part in compilation under the flag of home country). It's unsportsmanlike conduct. And this is not only about the sport. All people, from all countries must have opportunity to take part in everything without detraction.
She has already lost so much due to this war. Her pride and dignity are things they cannot take away from her. #standwithUkraine💙💛🇺🇦💪
Disrespect the sport 👎
✍️Indeed !! 🌟Right statement, good for Ukrainian's. Standing together 🧑🤝🧑👫👭👬💙💛🌻 🇺🇦🗽🇺🇸
Iubesc SPORTUL , respect și admir Toți SPORTIVII ! Ucraineana a dat dovadă de lipsă de SPORTIVITATE! Rușine.
Such a difficult situation. I guess everyone needs to understand the impact of our tragic international situation. Watch the news.
Good on her, and shame on them for even allowing the other one to compete!
Disappointing girl, this sport isn't for her 👎
Yeah, yeah, f-ing ay~~🇺🇦🌻🙏💕 💥 WE STAND WITH UKRAINE 🇺🇦
Glory to Ukraine 🌻🇺🇦
Glory to Heroes 🇺🇦🌻
Now that is honoring you precious country and countrymen ❤🇺🇦
Heroine
Crack?
🤣🤣🤣
Solo 205 like per il no fair-play della ucraina!... Slava per l'Umanità !
Ukrainian bots will always brings up political conflicts in Sports. And the worst of this is that they are "representing" me by supporting Ukraine and having the big mouth.
Anyone who has seen this "neutral" russian AFTER this epic defeat pouting for forever on the mat refusing to leave will understand everything you need to know about russia being allowed to compete with civilization outside of their landfill in ruZzia.
Арбитр принимает решение, когда состязание окончено. Без его разрешения уходить нельзя. Таковы правила.
Why is Russia allowed to compete?
I'm glad she didn't shake the hand of the Russian athlete. My opinion, the Russians shouldn't be allowed to compete in anything. They should pay the price for the unprovoked war their "leader" started. Slava Ukraini 💙 💛
She is strong and can stand up for her beliefs. Medals don't mean as much as our love for our country
RESPECT! Slava Ukraini!
How can anyone just dismiss Putin's war? Slava Ukraini!
Olga Khalan is a champion! Such dignity and grace. Slava Ukraini !!
Perdió
Gest josnic ! Vot de blam pentru ucraineana care nu știe ce înseamnă fair-play-ul, n-are ce căuta printre SPORTIVI !!!
Ridiculous
idk, When you turn a sporting competition into a political statement it just turns the whole Olympics thing into something other than sport. Perhaps the days of international sports competitions should be coming to an end.
Russia ✌🏻
So disappointing. 😢We seem to be living in an upside down world 🌎 Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦💙💛
Olga is real person, real winner, real sportswoman. Those who judge her dont deserve to have such a position (to be a judge)
This is sport is not for you 👎