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https://www.npr.org/2023/08/01/1190975853/ukraine-russia-fencing-olympics-handshake-history-explained>
"Tensions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine played out this past week on
the mats of a fencing match in Italy, putting the spotlight on the purpose and
future of one of the sport's traditions.
In an unprecedented series of events, Ukrainian star fencer Olga Kharlan
refused to shake hands with her Russian competitor Anna Smirnova after their
match at the world championships in Milan.
Kharlan was black-carded and disqualified. But after mounting pressure, the
International Fencing Federation reversed its decision and allowed Kharlan to
return to the tournament.
The face-off and fall-out between Kharlan and Smirnova raised a host of
questions about neutrality, the limits of sportsmanship and one of fencing's
oldest traditions, the handshake.
It also proved just how difficult it can be to disentangle sports and politics
on the world stage — a matter that will likely become more serious and urgent
as the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris draws near."
Via Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
