some context: currently a lot of global fencing is run by ex-Soviet fencers who fled for one reason or another. so already, there is not much love for Russia in the sport outside of Russia. Ukraine in particular is a cornerstone of the sport having many of the best forges historically, and a huge number of fencers come out of the country. So there is a lot of pro-Ukraine attitude in the sport. Even some Russians who have fenced recently for ROC, have since left the country and spoke out against Ukraine.
however, Russia also is a huge monetary influence in fencing, with an oligarch having run the FIE for the past decade basically out of pocket. this is why the decisions made by the board don't necessarily reflect the attitudes of fencers.
It's harder for tourists to get to since it's so far from the airport, but the Safari Park is the GOAT and if you can figure out transportation it's completely worth it.
sharkutterzero t1_je1b4we wrote
Reply to Hundreds of fencers sign letter to protest Russians competing by PrincessBananas85
some context: currently a lot of global fencing is run by ex-Soviet fencers who fled for one reason or another. so already, there is not much love for Russia in the sport outside of Russia. Ukraine in particular is a cornerstone of the sport having many of the best forges historically, and a huge number of fencers come out of the country. So there is a lot of pro-Ukraine attitude in the sport. Even some Russians who have fenced recently for ROC, have since left the country and spoke out against Ukraine.
however, Russia also is a huge monetary influence in fencing, with an oligarch having run the FIE for the past decade basically out of pocket. this is why the decisions made by the board don't necessarily reflect the attitudes of fencers.