Fencing-IOC urges sensitivity in handling Ukrainian, Russian athletes after fencer’s disqualification
(Reuters) – International federations should handle situations involving Ukrainian and neutral athletes with sensitivity, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said after a Ukrainian fencer was disqualified for refusing to shake hands with a Russian opponent. Ukraine’s Olga Kharlan, a four-time Olympic medallist and world champion, won the individual sabre bout 15-7 and then refused to shake hands with Russian Anna Smirnova – competing as a neutral – at the World […]