UKRAINIAN SABER FENCER, OLYMPIC CHAMPION 2008, THE REPEATED WORLD AND EUROPEAN CHAMPION, MERITED MASTER OF SPORTS OF UKRAINE. IT'S ALL ABOUT 23 YEAR-OLD OLGA KHARLAN

Olga Harlan was born on September 4, 1990 in Nikolaev. When she was 5 years old, the mobile and active girl's parents gave her to the dance section. In 2001 (when she was 10 years old) her godfather Anatoly Shrikal brought her to fencing, and Olga fell in love with this sport after the first training. Dancing was over.

IN MARCH 2002 OLGA HELD A KIND OF DEBUT: THE FIRST TIME A YOUNG ATHLETE PARTICIPATED IN ADULT COMPETITION. SHE TOOK THE LAST PLACE IN THE CUP OF UKRAINE. HOWEVER, THE DEFEAT DIDN’T UPSET HER, BUT ON THE CONTRARY IT BECAME A STRONG MOTIVATION FOR FURTHER ACHIEVEMENTS.

DURING THE FOLLOWING YEAR OLGA ACHIEVED SUCH RESULTS THAT NO ATHLETE IN THE HISTORY OF UKRAINE COULD ACHIEVE IN SUCH A SHORT TIMEFRAME. SHE LEFT BEHIND MORE EXPERIENCED SPORTSMEN.

At the world Championships in fencing she took bronze, had silver five times and brought us the honorary gold three times.

Also she has 3 orders:• I degree Order of Merit (2013)• II degree Order of Merit (2012)• III degree Order of Merit (2008)

This girl showed me at her example, that you should never surrender and need every day to make a step towards your goal, even if it seems unattainable. In her 22 years she achieved incredible success with her perseverance and strong character. It is not a simple sport that requires a lot of effort, but difficulties did not stop this girl.

ON SEPTEMBER, 4 WE CELEBRATED THE BIRTHDAY OF OUR OLGA. WE ARE PROUD THAT THE SPORTSWOMAN OF SUCH A LEVEL LIVES IN OUR CITY.NOW OLGA SETS A GOAL TO WIN GOLD AT THE WORLD CUP AND THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN THE PERSONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. BUT EVEN GREAT CHAMPIONS HAVE THE MOST COMMON DREAMS LIKE A BIG HOUSE AND LABRADOR DOG.