2023-07-28 20:43:27
By Le Figaro with AFP
Posted yesterday at 8:06 PM, Updated yesterday at 8:43 PM
Olga Kharlan. ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP
Initially disqualified from the Fencing Worlds for not shaking hands with her Russian opponent, Olga Kharlan was invited to the 2024 Olympic Games by Thomas Bach, President of the IOC.
Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan was guaranteed a place at the Paris-2024 Olympics by the IOC on Friday, after the outcry caused by her disqualification Thursday at the Fencing Worlds for refusing to shake hands with her Russian opponent.
Kharlan’s suspension was lifted at the same time on Friday by the International Fencing Federation (FIE), allowing him to compete in the team event from Saturday.
This decision will most certainly anger Moscow, which has already accused the IOC of favoring Ukrainian sportsmen over its own athletes, since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
«Considering your particular situation, the International Olympic Committee will allocate you an additional quota for the Paris-2024 Olympic Games in case you are unable to qualify in the remaining period.says a letter signed by IOC President Thomas Bach published by Ukrainian Sports Minister Vadym Gutzeit.
This missive, the authenticity of which has been confirmed to theAFP by an IOC spokesperson is addressed to the quadruple world champion, whose disqualification the day before cost very precious points in the race for the Olympics.
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