Olha Kharlan Brings Gold and Bronze to Ukraine at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Olha Kharlan secured two medals in sabre fencing at the Olympic Games in Paris — gold in the team event and bronze in the individual competition.

The Paris Olympics marked the fifth Games for the 33-year-old athlete, following her debut at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, where she first ascended the Olympic podium with a gold medal.

In the individual tournament, Kharlan confidently advanced through multiple rounds, defeating strong opponents from Japan, Azerbaijan, and Hungary.

However, the semifinal bout against France’s Sara Balzer ended in a 7-15 loss for Olha, ending her chances for individual gold.

Nevertheless, in the bronze medal match, Kharlan demonstrated a champion's resilience: against South Korean fencer Choi Sebin, she trailed 5-11 but managed to tie the score at 14-14, securing bronze with a decisive final strike.

In the team competition, the Ukrainian team with Kharlan defeated China, claiming the title of Olympic champions.

Olha Kharlan is a Ukrainian sabre fencer, two-time Olympic champion (2008, 2024), six-time world champion, and eight-time European champion.

She holds the record for the most Olympic medals among Ukrainian athletes (6 medals). Kharlan has been honored with the title of National Legend of Ukraine and has received several of the country's highest state awards.