Ukraine seizes first gold medal in women’s team saber fencing at Paris Olympics

Ukraine celebrates as Olga Kharlan secures the country's first gold medal of the Paris Olympics in women's team saber fencing, reports APNews. In an intense final match against South Korea, Kharlan's superb performance in the last leg turned the tide, leading her team to a thrilling 45-42 victory. The atmosphere in Paris was electric, with the crowd chanting Kharlan's name and fueling her determination to succeed.

For Kharlan, this win holds special significance. It marks her second medal at the Paris Olympics, following her individual saber bronze. Furthermore, it adds to her remarkable tally of six medals across five Summer Games, making her Ukraine's most decorated Olympian. The last time Kharlan won a gold medal was in Beijing 2008 when she was just 17 years old.

The road to triumph was not easy for Kharlan and her team. They found themselves trailing by six points in the gold-medal match before mounting an impressive comeback. Kharlan's overall performance throughout the nine-leg final was outstanding, with a combined score of 22-10 from her three matchups.

The victory sparked an outpouring of support from Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelensky taking to social media to express his congratulations and admiration for the national team. The success in Paris adds to the country's medal count, which includes a silver in shooting and Kharlan's earlier bronze.

For Kharlan, this win signifies a personal triumph. It comes a year after being disqualified from the world championships for refusing to shake the hand of a Russian fencer, jeopardizing her Olympic qualification. However, the International Olympic Committee intervened, granting her a direct spot at the Paris Games. She views this victory as a symbol of resilience, urging others to believe, work hard, and never give up.

While the incident at the world championships brought attention to the ongoing tension between Russia and Ukraine, it is worth noting that no Russian fencers are competing at the Paris Olympics. Additionally, Ukraine's Olympic team is its smallest since gaining independence from the Soviet Union but remains unified in its determination and achievements.

As Kharlan prepares to return to Ukraine, she does so with pride, carrying her two hard-earned medals. This triumph signifies a new chapter in her fencing career, with a heartfelt message of gratitude to all those who supported her. She serves as a symbol of hope and perseverance, reminding us all to believe in our dreams, work relentlessly, and never give up, just like Ukraine.

Earlier SSP told about an inspirational story of David Smith.