Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan was guaranteed a place at the Paris-2024 Olympics by the IOC on Friday, after the outcry caused by her disqualification Thursday at the Fencing Worlds for refusing to shake hands with her Russian opponent.
Kharlan’s suspension was lifted at the same time on Friday by the International Fencing Federation (FIE), allowing him to compete in the team event from Saturday.
This decision will most certainly anger Moscow, which has already accused the IOC of favoring Ukrainian sportsmen over its own athletes, since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
“In view of your particular situation, the International Olympic Committee will allocate you an additional quota for the Paris-2024 Olympic Games in the event that you are unable to qualify within the remaining period,” reads a letter signed by Thomas Bach. , the IOC President released by Ukrainian Sports Minister Vadym Gutzeit.
This missive, the authenticity of which was confirmed to AFP by an IOC spokesperson, is addressed to the quadruple world champion, whose disqualification the day before cost very precious points in the race for the Olympics.
