Olympic champion Olha Charlan narrowly missed out on a medal with the Ukraine national saber team at the Fencing World Championships.
After her victory against the Russian Anna Smirnowa (23), who competed under a neutral flag, and the subsequent disqualification for refusing to shake hands, the four-time team world champion was back on the schedule in Milan at the weekend. After tears of joy at the 45:44 in the quarterfinals over the USA on Saturday, the Ukrainians lost 32:45 in the semifinals against France, who took second place at the Olympics. The Ukrainians also lost the fight for bronze with 32:45 against South Korea.
Handshake rule lifted
Because the world fencing association FIE suspended the Charlan disqualification late on Friday evening, the 32-year-old was allowed back on the planche. In addition, the controversial handshake rule was lifted. It will be replaced by a gun salute in the future. The decision was made in accordance with the Olympic spirit, said FIE interim president Emmanuel Katsiadakis after consultations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The disqualification of the four-time team world champion caused international outrage in view of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.
“As the world faces great and important challenges, the FIE is adapting the rules in the general interest of the athletes and the federations, while also respecting our sport,” quoted the “Spiegel” the FIE Executive Committee member Bruno Gares from France. IOC boss Thomas Bach had promised Charlan an Olympic place after the scandal. “In view of your particular situation, the International Olympic Committee will allocate you an additional quota place for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games if you cannot qualify in the meantime,” Bach wrote in a personal letter to the saber fencer.
