Scandal in the Fencing World Cup, involving a Ukrainian and a Russian
The Ukrainian Olga Kharlan and the Russian Anna Smirnova became the protagonists of a scandal at the Fencing World Cup, which is taking place in Italy.
The confrontation between them was the first between Ukraine and Russia in an “unprofessional” Olympic sport since the war between the two countries began. The duel ended with the victory of the Ukrainian, but the controversy erupted after the end of the duel.
The 32-year-old from Ukraine refused to shake the hand of her Russian rival, an action that according to fencing regulations should be punished with a black card, which means disqualification and a two-month suspension.
Thus, the Russian fencer decided not to leave the track, demanding the elimination of the Ukrainian and continuing in the competition. The referees gathered to make a decision for the Ukrainian. While they’re discussing it, Smirnova sits in the middle of the track and watches the other World Cup challenges taking place on the adjacent track. The sight is unusual, with the Russian preventing other duels from taking place on the track where she is sitting.
The organizers of the World Cup decided to move the duels to other tracks, while the Russian continued to wait for the disqualification of the Ukrainian even after 50 minutes.
After this time, the arbitrators decide not to disqualify the Ukrainian. When it came time for the Ukrainian’s next match, neither she nor her Bulgarian opponent came out on the track, so the referees decided to respect the regulation and eliminate her from the competition.
Despite this, the elimination of the Russian Smirnova remains in effect. Russia and Ukraine remain out of the World Cup.
