#fencing

#fencing

Kharlan expressed her outrage and disappointment regarding the FIE's decision to relax neutrality rules, allowing Russian military athletes to participate in competitions. "It's one of the propaganda tools of the army," she stated, highlighting the direct link between these athletes and the Russian military aggression in Ukraine. She expressed deep concern about the implications for the sport, indicating that the integrity of fencing is at risk due to Russian influence and governance issues surrounding the FIE.

Under the International Fencing Federation's new neutrality policy, being affiliated with military clubs is no longer a disqualifying factor for fencers wishing to obtain neutral status.

I saw that I was going to be in a pool with Redmond, and from there I said: 'OK, let's do it. I'm going to take the knee'. I knew what I had to do because USA Fencing had not been listening to women's objections.

"It's definitely going better than I would have ever hoped for. Every time I step onto the podium, it's a huge milestone in my career and my life."

"When so many children shout loudly and cheer us on, it gives me a lot of energy and motivates me to bring my sport closer to the people, of course," Ndolo told DW.