Fencer Olga Kharlan secures Ukraine's first medal at 2024 Olympic Games
Photo: 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Olga Kharlan (Getty Images)
Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan won a bronze medal in the individual women's sabre fencing competition, defeating South Korean fencer Choi Sebin in the consolation final.
Olympics 2024, fencing, sabre, women's bronze medal match
Choi – Kharlan – 14:15
The match started with South Korean fencer Choi taking an early lead. Choi gradually built up her advantage, and by the end of the first period, she was ahead of the Ukrainian by five points (8:3).
At the beginning of the second period, Choi's lead grew to a threatening margin (11:5). However, Kharlan made an incredible comeback. The experienced fencer gained the lead after the astonishing push (7:0).
The match became a nerve-wracking contest, with the lead changing hands several times and the score leveling at moments. Ultimately, the bronze medal was decided by the final touch. With the score tied at 14:14, Kharlan executed the decisive attack to win the medal.
This medal was Ukraine's first at this year's Games. For Kharlan personally, it was her fifth Olympic medal. She won gold in team sabre (2008), silver in the same discipline (2012), and bronze in individual sabre (2012, 2016).
On her way to the medal, the Ukrainian fencer defeated Japan's Fukushima, Azerbaijan's Bashta, and Hungary's Márton. In the semifinals, Kharlan lost to the host fencer Balzer (7:15).
By the way, judoka Bilodid was eliminated in the Round of 16 at the Olympic competition.
