World Fencing Federation suspends disqualification of Olha Kharlan

The World Fencing Federation has suspended Olha Kharlan’s disqualification, which she received for refusing to shake hands with a Russian athlete.

The Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported this.

Her gesture with a sword at the end of the fight was regarded as a greeting, following the COVID-19 protocol.

As a result, Kharlan will be able to compete in the team tournament at the World Championships in Milan, which is needed to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

It will be recalled that fencer Olha Kharlan received automatic qualification for the 2024 Olympics from the International Olympic Committee after being disqualified from the World Championships.