Kharlan explained why she shook hands with the former Russian Basha at the Olympics.

The Ukrainian team won its first medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The bronze medal in the individual event was won by sabre fencer Olga Kharlan.

Kharlan won four out of five matches. In the 1/8 finals, she defeated Azerbaijani fencer Anna Basha.

It is worth noting that Basha was born in Russia and previously competed for the national team of that country. Since 2019, she has been representing Azerbaijan in international competitions.

After the bout with Basha, Kharlan had a conversation with her and shook her hand. The fencer explained this action by saying that their meeting was on the eve of a holiday.

Kharlan's next performance at the 2024 Olympics will be in the team event. The competitions will start on August 4.

Olympics-2024. Medal standings