Ukrainian fencer disqualified for refusing to shake Russian opponent’s hand

[kephessthedying]

the thing is a blade tap is accepted as an official alternative to shaking hands since the kazan world cup

[Chris-ukis]

When we represent the UK do we condone all our past and present military interventions, perhaps we do perhaps we don’t. The Russian girl is taking part in a sport…does she agree with all her country’s decisions…? Should we demonise a young woman for participating in a sport, that is all she is doing.

[dejan]

Correct call. Keep politics out of sport !

[lowzies]

Coming from someone that competes in sport) Its a childish move to not shake your opponents hand if they haven’t done anything to your personally i understand animosity but it’s just principle and respect. Acting like this doesn’t help anyone and just creates more animosity for those that aren’t responsible for this war. It’s a competition leave it at that and put your differences aside

[boboso]

She could have just spit in her palm beforehand like we did in little-league when we lost 😂

[skelegunsoooooo]

Refusing to shake Opponents hand for political reasons

[LeslieThomas-ph]

“I get it”…. Look at her Country 🤦🏾‍♀️

[christopherhitchens]

Good. That’s why you don’t bring politics into sport

[keithb]

I disagree with Olga Kharlan. While I understand her anger at the political situation, her opponent can not help what Putin did and may not have even agreed with the invasion. She may, in fact, be totally against it. Olga should have set a good example and shaken her opponents hand.

[Darkdusk]

Just like every other sport should, keep your politics out of it and be respectful to everyone. It's good she was disqualified. The war has absolutely nothing to do with her opponent just because they are from Russia.
That was a very childish move, from a very childish generation.

[DC-qjdt]

Trying to politicise sports is more shameful than poor sportsmanship.
She should stop fencing and go to the front line like other Ukrainians.

[TeamTGF]

Y’all are saying that she was childish and wasn’t respectful. Her country is being invaded and hurt by that country and her fellow people are sadly dying every day. If you’re as in her position, you wouldn’t either.

[cygnusne]

Well done 👍👍👍👍 it is absurd, unfair and degrading to ask her to shake hand with a russian! Olga did the only right thing to do!

[ryanr]

She was under a neutral flag tho.. Which means she doesnt support the war... I wish she wouldve thought of that..

[luana.desousa]

Respect for sigma ukrainian fencer. Wins with double the points and doesn't care about disqualifing anyways

[zankou]

This is like someone taking a knee, freedom officially lost🤦‍♂️

[natebrett]

The Russian should not have been allowed to compete in the first place

[nkydn]

For everyone saying she did the right thing by not shaking hands, this is fuскing fencing not politics for christs sake

[formattmusic]

Russia didn't attack Ukraine. Putin attacked the Ukraine. This woman deserved to be disqualified. You can't blame an entire country for actions of a single dictator. Poor sportsmanship.

[AdamDawson]

Good. That's just poor sportsmanship.