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WEKU
WEKU
Juliana Kim

A Ukrainian fencer scorned a Russian's handshake, challenging the sport's traditions

Ukraine's Olha Kharlan (L) refuses to shake hands with Russia's Anna Smirnova, registered as an Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN), after she defeated her during the Sabre Women's Senior Individual qualifiers, as part of the FIE Fencing World Championships on July 27. (Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

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