First Gold in Women’s Épée: Ukraine Makes History at the 2025 European Fencing Championships
From June 13 to 19, 2025, the European Fencing Championships took place in Genoa, Italy. This time, the Ukrainian national team returned not only with medals — but with a historic achievement. For the first time since Ukraine’s independence, the women’s épée team won gold in the team event at a continental championship.
It wasn’t a quiet victory. It happened amid war, evacuations, training across borders, and a lack of stable conditions. But this team came together, performed flawlessly — and proved that Ukrainian fencing is not just surviving. It’s among Europe’s best.
Genoa, June: Tension, Pressure, and a Breakthrough
The championship ran from June 13 to 19 at the PalaSport Arena in Genoa. The Ukrainian team arrived nearly in full strength. In focus — the women’s épée team, which previously had not been considered among gold medal contenders.
The lineup included:
- Olena Kryvytska – a seasoned veteran;
- Vlada Kharkova – a new-generation fencer;
- Inna Brovko – technically precise and mentally resilient;
- Anna Maksymenko – the strategist who coordinated the pace.
They passed through qualification confidently. In the semifinals, they defeated host nation Italy. In the final, they overcame Switzerland with a score of 45:34.
Why This Gold Is More Than a Medal
Épée has never been the flagship weapon for Ukraine. The country’s fencing successes historically came from sabre — in both individual and team events. That’s what makes this first gold in women’s team épée at a European Championship so special.
The Ukrainians reversed the flow of the final match, imposed their rhythm, and withstood the pressure. Most importantly — they showed near-perfect team coordination.
Two More Achievements Worth Noting
In addition to the women’s team épée gold, Ukraine won two more medals:
- Gold in men’s individual épée — won by Roman Svichkar, who defeated a French fencer in the final 15:13. This was Ukraine’s first gold in this discipline since 1994.
- Silver in women’s individual foil — earned by Alina Komashchuk, her fifth international medal in the past three years.
In total, Ukraine finished the championships with three medals: two gold and one silver, ranking among the top three national teams in Europe.
What’s Behind the Success — and Why It’s No Accident
Fencing isn’t just a sport — it’s a mindset. And for the past three years, Ukrainian athletes have trained in conditions of uncertainty, under air raids, evacuations, and with limited resources. Some prepared abroad. Others — in Ukraine, sometimes under missile threats.
And yet, the system proved resilient. Neither war nor logistics broke it. Behind each medal stands the long-term work of coaches, the national federation, volunteers — and the fencers themselves.
What’s Next?
Next up: the World Championships and the path to the 2028 Olympics. This success is not a culmination, but a starting point. Épée has regained its place in the spotlight, and the fencers now have a real shot at sustainable international careers.
Some of them are expected to receive offers from top European clubs — opening the door to new training opportunities and more consistent competition experience.
This isn’t just a sporting win. It’s proof of resilience, endurance, and the ability to hold the line — even when everything feels uncertain.
The Ukrainians didn’t just win a final. They showed that even in the toughest times, we can be first. And this épée — isn’t just a weapon. It’s a symbol of strength.
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