Ukrainian fencer disqualified for pointing saber at Russian opponent instead of shaking hands

Olga Kharlan from Ukraine (left) gesticulates, refusing to shake hands with Russian Anna Smirnova. Photo: Andreas Solaro/AFP

Smirnova, competing as a neutral athlete, refused to reciprocate and remained in the arena for almost an hour in protest.

Later Thursday, the International Fencing Federation disqualified Ms Harlan from citing to the rules, which state that competitors «should shake hands» at the conclusion of matches.

Ms Harla, a four-time Olympic champion, opposed the decision on Friday, calling for a change in the rules. take into account the offensive of Russia in her country.

An official of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) speaks to Russian Anna Smirnova after her rival Olga Harlan refused to shake hands with her. Photo: Andreas Solaro/AFP «Rules must change as the world changes»

«Everyone in the world understands that rules must change as the world changes,» she said in a video posted to Instagram.

“We have seen that a country that terrorizes our nation, our people and our families is also terrorizing sports. I did not want to shake hands with this athlete and followed my heart.”

Ms Harlan, who has publicly opposed the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competition, previously claimed that the IFF President had assured her that the touch blades can replace a handshake.

She filed an appeal against the decision to exclude her from the championship.

Her disqualification caused an uproar. support for Ukrainians online.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense tweeted a collage of an athlete holding out a saber to the emblem of Russia, a double-headed eagle, and accused Moscow of «using sport to support its aggressive war.»

The Ukrainian, who beat the Russian, filed an appeal against the disqualification Photo: Andreas Solaro/AFP «Disgrace»

Mykhailo Podoliak, adviser to the President of Ukraine, called the decision to disqualify Ms. Harlan «shameful».

Other officials called on the IFF to reconsider its decision.

“Ukrainians do not want to shake hands with the Russians, who every day kill our people on our land,” said Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. on Twitter.

“We call on the International Fencing Federation to reinstate Harlan in competition,” he added.

The IOC calls for “sensitivity”

Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee called on international federations to show the “necessary degree of sensitivity” when dealing with situations involving athletes from Ukraine and Russia.

But Russian officials condemned the IOC’s statement, saying it was too lenient on Ukrainians intending to take a stand in sporting events.

«Or will we have teams and players exempt from all rules?»