Ukraine’s first medal at the 2024 Olympics was won by women’s fencer Olga Kharlan, who made a remarkable comeback to claim the bronze in the women’s saber fencing event. Despite being down by six points, Kharlan defeated South Korea’s Choi Sebin 15-14 and dedicated her victory to her country, which is currently facing a devastating war with Russia.
With only 140 Ukrainian athletes participating in the Olympics, the smallest delegation in the country’s history, Kharlan’s win carries significant weight as a symbol of hope and resilience for her nation. A memorial was set up in London to honor the 487 Ukrainian athletes who lost their lives during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kharlan’s journey to the Olympics was not without obstacles. In the 2023 World Fencing Championships, she was disqualified for refusing to shake hands with a Russian opponent she had defeated. This put her Olympic dreams in jeopardy, but she was later granted a “unique exception” by the International Olympic Committee, allowing her to compete in Paris.
Reflecting on her experience, Kharlan expressed her pride in representing her country and standing strong amidst adversity. She emphasized that every medal, no matter the color, is like gold to her. Despite the challenges she faced, Kharlan’s determination and commitment paid off, resulting in Ukraine’s first Olympic medal since the start of the conflict with Russia.
On the other hand, Russian athletes are not able to compete under their nation’s flag in Paris due to the IOC’s ruling that considered Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a violation of the Olympic truce. Instead, Russian athletes are participating as “Individual Neutral Athletes,” unable to earn any Olympic medals for their country.
Kharlan’s victory serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Her dedication to her country and her unwavering commitment to her sport have not only earned her a bronze medal but also inspired a nation and the world with her courage and determination.