The fencers of the aggressor countries will also not participate in the Paris Olympics

The representatives of these countries have not applied for participation in the qualification tournament of the European zone of the Olympic Games.

This week in Luxembourg, fencers will fight for six quotas for participation in the Paris Olympic Games.

In December, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), ignoring Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the Paris Olympics as neutral athletes.

In July, at the world championships, Ukrainian Olga Harlana refused to shake hands with Russian Anna Smirnova, who called it disrespectful and refused to leave the field, after a fight. Harlan was disqualified for her actions and as a result she was unable to improve her position in the Olympic Games qualification. However, the IOC later exercised its right and exceptionally granted Harlan a place in the Olympic Games.

Smirnova, whose brother is a soldier of the Russian army, was given the opportunity to participate in the world championship, despite the fact that the compliance of the athletes with the status of a neutral athlete was assessed by a specially hired security firm.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11.