Ukraine’s first Olympic medal in 2024: Kharlan takes bronze in fencing

Ukrainian Olha Kharlan became the bronze medalist in the individual saber competition as the Olympic fencing tournament is underway in Paris (France).

That’s according to Ukrinform.

After defeating Japan's Shihomi Fukushima (15:9), Anna Bashta, who represents Azerbaijan (15:6), and Hungary's Anna Marton (15:7), Kharlan lost to top seed Sarah Balzer (7:15) of France in the semifinals.

Kharlan then went on to win bronze in a dramatic clash with Choi Sebin of the Republic of Korea (15:14).

Olha Kharlan's medal was Ukarine’s first at the Paris 2024 Games.

“It’s really special, incredible, like infinity special,” Kharlan told reporters, speaking in English, saying her medal was won for her country and its defenders and for the Ukrainian athletes “who couldn’t come here because they were killed by Russia,” NYT reports.

A multiple world and European champion, Kharlan won her fifth Olympic medal after taking gold (2008) and silver (2016) in the team tournaments and two bronze medals in individual competitions (2012, 2016).

On August 3, Ukrainian female saber fencers will compete as a team.

Photo: NOC