Zelenskyy honors champion fencer Kharlan with top state award, fencer jokingly promises post-war fencing match
Champion Ukrainian fencer Olha Kharlan has been given a state award by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo:Instagram)
Champion Ukrainian fencer Olha Kharlan has been given a state award by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the athlete reported on Instagram on Sept. 8.
The fencer thanked the head of state for what he is doing for the country, and promised him a fencing match after the victory.
The athlete was awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise of the IV degree.
"It is an incredible honor to shake hands and receive a state award from our president," Kharlan said in the caption to her photo post.
“Thank you for standing firmly for our country, for our lives. P. S. After our victory, we will definitely have another saber fight, like in 2016, and there will definitely be more smiles. I’m certain of it.”
After an outcry, the FIE suspended the Ukrainian's disqualification, and the IOC invited her to compete in the Olympic Games in Paris.
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