Former Dynamo Kyiv and Ukrainian national team forward Roman Zozulya spoke out about yesterday's gesture by Ukrainian sabre fencer Olga Harlan, who, after defeating Russian Anna Smirnova (15:7) at the World Fencing Championships, did not shake hands with her after the fight, but held her sword out in front of her, said something to the Russian and left. Later, the Ukrainian athlete was disqualified.
Roman Zozulya"Olga Harlan showed her civic and patriotic position, demonstrating consciousness and adequacy in every sense, and for this she was disqualified from the Fencing World Cup.
Olga simply knows that Russians without insignia are still Russians. This is an enemy who is trying to destroy your hometown and your country every day, and therefore this enemy does not deserve to be shaken hands with. The enemy must be defeated and she did.
Unfortunately, the International Fencing Federation has once again proved that Russian money is more important than principles. I have no questions - just shame and disgrace.
At the same time, I have a question for our Minister of Sport: did you do everything possible and impossible in the few hours after the fight to prevent the disqualification of our champion? Olga Kharlan had the dignity and courage to show her opponent the place, knowing the possible consequences. What about you, Mr Minister?" Zozulya wrote on his telegram channel.
Harlan's gesture at the World Fencing Championships:
