Calay News
Ukrainian fencer Olga Jarlan faced Anna Smirnova at the World Cup after receiving the go-ahead from the Kiev authorities. Although Jarlan won the sporting duel, she refused to shake hands with her opponent, which resulted in her disqualification. The Ukrainian told several journalists, including AFP, that Ukrainian athletes are ready to face the Russians on the sports field, but they will never shake hands.
Jarlan’s refusal to greet Smirnova led to a protest from the Russian, who refused to leave the track for almost an hour after the duel. The FIE regulations sanction with disqualification the refusal to greet an opponent.
Jarlan’s disqualification was criticized as “absolutely scandalous” by a close adviser to the Ukrainian president. Despite this, the International Olympic Committee called for showing “sensitivity” towards Ukrainian athletes.
Previously, the Kyiv authorities prohibited athletes from their official delegations from participating in competitions where there were Russian or Belarusian athletes. However, a decree from Ukraine’s Sports Ministry marked a change of course by allowing them to compete against athletes under a neutral flag, following IOC recommendations to reintegrate Russians and Belarusians into world sport.
This decision partly dispelled the possibility of Ukraine’s absence at the Paris Games. Although no official decision has yet been made, Russian and Belarusian athletes are expected to be allowed to participate.
