Ukrainian fencer disqualification in Olympics waived despite violation
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Ukrainian fencer Olha Kharlan was awarded a place in the 2024 Paris Olympics despite her disqualification at the world championships for refusing to shake hands with her Russian opponent.
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Ukrainian fencer squaring off against her Russian competitor 27 July 2023(AFP)
Ukrainian fencer Olha Kharlan has been granted a place in the 2024 Paris Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after being disqualified for refusing to shake hands with her Russian opponent.
On Friday, IOC President Thomas Bach communicated the decision to Kharlan through a letter, acknowledging her "unique situation" and promising an additional quota place for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. This exceptional offer was made in case Kharlan would be unable to qualify during the remaining period.
Read more: Kiev 'gone too far' with banning contest against Russian athletes: IOC
The disqualification incident occurred during the world championships in Milan on Thursday when Olha Kharlan faced off against the Russian fencer Anna Smirnova. After the match, Kharlan chose not to shake hands with Smirnova, which resulted in her being disqualified from the competition.
Read more: Ukrainian official urges gymnastics federation to ban Russian athletes
