Olympic Fencer Olga Kharlan Waves to Less Successful Rivals a Year after the Games
In the heart of Kyiv, amidst the ongoing conflict and the resilience of its people, Olga Kharlan sat down for an interview at a café in a cobbled alley, her blue eyes weary yet determined[2]. The interview, conducted by French newspaper Libération, took place in the aftermath of the Russian air force attack on Kyiv and the ongoing duel on the left bank of the Dnieper[3][6].
Kharlan, a native of Kyiv and a key figure from the Paris Olympic Games, agreed to rekindle the flame for Libération, sharing her experiences and thoughts on the current situation[7]. The fencing champion had spent seven hours watching the Russian air force drop 550 drones and missiles on Kyiv, yet she saw people living their lives and expressing gratitude for a new day[4].
Despite the fear and uncertainty, Kharlan and others will not sleep but will fight, smile, and cry sometimes[8]. "We live because Russia can take our lives at any moment," she expressed, her words reflecting the gravity of the situation[1]. However, the Russian air force attack on Kyiv has not deterred Kharlan from her passion for fencing. In fact, it has only strengthened her resolve.
Following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Kharlan continued to compete at the highest levels, as shown by her achievements at the 2025 World Championships in Tbilisi[1]. Her victory over the world #1 fencer Sora Song in the semifinal and Olympic medalist Katrina Lehis in the final confirmed her sustained dominance in the sport.
Despite the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine, Kharlan's success at such a high-profile event amid difficult circumstances illustrates her resilience and ability to maintain top form under pressure. Her life and career after the Paris Olympics have been marked by continued sporting excellence and the challenge of maintaining her career amid the hardships of the conflict in her home country.
Kharlan bought an apartment a few years ago on the left bank of the Dnieper[9], a location that has become a focal point of the ongoing conflict. The Russian air force attack on Kyiv has created a sense of resilience and determination among the people of Kyiv, with Kharlan serving as a powerful symbol of resilience for Ukraine on the international sports stage.
Kharlan's interview with Libération revealed her thoughts on the current situation in Kyiv, discussing the ongoing conflict and the resilience of its people. Despite the Russian air force attack on Kyiv and the hardships faced by the city, Kharlan's success at the 2025 World Championships in Tbilisi demonstrates her sustained dominance in sports, reflecting her resilience and ability to maintain top form under pressure. This illustrates her life and career after the Paris Olympics, marked by continued sporting excellence amid the hardships of the conflict in her home country. Moreover, her victory over the world #1 fencer and Olympic medalist showcases her talent in the sports-analysis arena, emphasizing her significant contributions to the world of fencing.
