Olympic Sabre Champion Olga Kharlan Announces Pregnancy, Extends Sporting Hiatus.

Ukrainian Fencing Star Olga Kharlan Announces Pregnancy

According to Novyny.live: Ukrainian Olympic sabre champion Olga Kharlan has announced she is expecting a child and will extend her break from competitive fencing. The athlete has not competed for a year and a half, marking a significant period in her life and career. Kharlan is one of Ukraine's most decorated Olympians, and her absence is notable in the sport.

Kharlan shared the pregnancy news on her Instagram account. She has been in a relationship with Italian fencer Luigi Samele since 2019, and he proposed to her in 2024. Previously, Kharlan was married to fellow fencer Dmytro Boiko, with whom she divorced in 2018.

A Record-Breaking Career on Hold

Olga Kharlan holds the Ukrainian record for most Olympic medals in fencing, having won six: two gold, one silver, and three bronze. Expressing optimism about this new chapter, she stated:

“The best chapter is about to begin”

Kharlan's pregnancy and career pause reflect major personal changes that may influence the future trajectory of her sporting achievements. As one of Ukraine's most successful athletes, any potential return to the fencing piste will be closely watched by fans and experts alike. This period represents a new phase not only for her as an athlete but potentially for Ukrainian fencing as a whole.