Ukrainian Fencer Wins Bronze at Paris Olympics

Olga Kharlan, a Ukrainian fencer, won a bronze medal in the women's saber at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking Ukraine's first medal of the Games. Kharlan's victory came after an impressive comeback from a six-point deficit to defeat South Korea's Choi Sebin 15-14. This medal is particularly significant given the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has severely impacted the country's athletes and led to the smallest Olympic team Ukraine has ever fielded. Kharlan, who had been disqualified from the 2023 World Championships for refusing to shake hands with a Russian opponent, was granted a special exception by the IOC to compete in Paris. She dedicated her win to her war-torn country, emphasizing the symbolic importance of every medal. This marks Kharlan's fifth Olympic medal, adding to her accolades as a four-time world champion.