Ukrainians celebrated their women's sabre team for securing the nation's inaugural gold medal at the Paris Olympics, expressing gratitude for their contribution to the morale boost in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukraine clinched the gold on Saturday, overcoming South Korea in a gripping final match, which also saw Olga Kharlan earn an individual bronze.
"It's truly excellent, fantastic. I extend my congratulations to our Ukrainian athletes and to all Ukrainians, as we witness various battlefields and each of us strives to do our utmost to hasten our triumph," remarked Andrii, a 49-year-old resident of Kyiv. President Volodymr Zelenskiy had previously commended the team, stating, "I thank them for their achievement, for their spirit, for demonstrating that Ukrainians are victorious!" on his X platform.
The gold medal was largely attributed to team captain Kharlan, who, after securing Ukraine's first medal in Paris, delivered an outstanding performance. "Yesterday, I was on a train, anxiously awaiting various results: athletics, gymnastics, and I am particularly delighted by the triumph of our female fencers. Olga Kharlan is a marvel of Ukrainian sports," shared Iryna from Chernivtsi in western Ukraine.
Kharlan, 33, participated in the Paris Games through an IOC invitation after being disqualified for not shaking hands with a Russian competitor at the previous year's World Championships in Milan, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As Ukraine enters its third year of resistance against the invasion, with numerous athletes among the casualties, such victories are seen as vital for maintaining morale.
"We can take pride in the fact that our people remain undeterred - they possess the resolve and physical fortitude," noted Taras, 65, who, like others, withheld his family name. "These Olympic achievements positively impact our mood." Serhiy Kulish also secured a silver medal for Ukraine in the men's 50-metre rifle three positions event.
