Ukraine’s Olga Kharlan, a fencing legend, has dedicated her bronze medal in the women’s sabre event at the Paris Olympics to her war-torn country. Despite missing out on the individual gold she had set her sights on, Kharlan’s bronze was a testament to her resilience and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.
Kharlan, 33, staged a remarkable comeback from an 11-5 deficit to defeat South Korea’s Choi Se-bin in front of a crowd that included her mother, sister, and nephew. Her father, however, was unable to leave Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.
The bronze medal marked Ukraine’s first at the Paris Olympics and was a poignant moment for Kharlan, who has been an outspoken critic of Russia’s invasion of her country. She has repeatedly used her platform to condemn the war and call for peace.
“It’s really special,” said a beaming Kharlan after her victory. “It’s like infinity. It’s special for my country. It’s for the people of Ukraine, for defenders (soldiers), for athletes who couldn’t come here because they were killed by Russia.”
Kharlan’s bronze medal was a culmination of her unwavering determination and the sacrifices she has made since the war began. She has rarely been home, and when she did return, she had to seek shelter from Russian airstrikes.
“I’ve been at home five times probably for one week,” said Kharlan. “It’s all the sacrifices. And all the news, all the tragic moments that we had when Russia bombed and killed people. We all take it. So that’s why it’s tough.”
Despite the challenges, Kharlan has remained focused on her sport and used it as a platform to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine. Her bronze medal is a symbol of hope and resilience, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail.
