The Ukrainian fencing championship concluded on June 1 in Kyiv, setting the stage for the national team ahead of the European Championship scheduled for June 16-19 in France. The women’s sabre team, the reigning European champions, will compete with a revised lineup, notably missing world champion Vlada Kharkova.
Kharkova, who shared gold in the team event at Euro-2025 alongside teammates Inna Brovko, Anna Maksymenko, and Olena Kryvytska, will be replaced by seasoned fencer Yana Shemyakina. Shemyakina’s extensive experience is expected to bolster the team’s chances, as noted by head coach Bohdan Nikishin.
“Considering all circumstances, this is the strongest lineup we can present at the European Championship,” Nikishin commented exclusively to Suspilne Sport. “Yana has immense experience. Although she hasn’t competed in team events recently, her experience can be a crucial asset for the team.”
Nikishin emphasized Shemyakina’s role in mentoring younger athletes, stating, “She trains with the team, participates in preparations, and is in good form.”
Who Missed the Euro Selection?
According to Nikishin, alternatives to Kharkova included Alina Dmytruk and Emily Konrad, both of whom will miss the tournament due to various reasons. Seventeen-year-old Dmytruk, who has competed in five World Cup events this season, will not participate due to academic commitments.
“Unfortunately, we face challenges. We have talented young athletes, but testing rules are strict, and we could not postpone them. This is a common practice across sports,” Nikishin explained.
“I hoped we could manage it, but it was confirmed today that we cannot reschedule Alina Dmytruk’s test. Sadly, she will not be able to compete in the championship.”
Eighteen-year-old Konrad, a standout at the junior level with gold medals from European and World Championships, is sidelined due to an injury sustained during the U23 European Championship in Cagliari, Italy.
“I hope [Konrad] can recover in time for the World Championship,” she stated.
Yana Shemyakina: A Return After Four Seasons
The upcoming championship marks Shemyakina’s first appearance since 2022, when she competed alongside Kharkova and Brovko, contributing to a bronze medal finish.
“We earned a bronze medal then. It brings back pleasant memories,” Shemyakina remarked to Suspilne Sport. “The team has changed significantly since then.”
Shemyakina aims to reclaim a spot on the podium, having previously achieved success at Olympic and World Championship levels.
Her inclusion in the Euro-2026 lineup was confirmed after it became clear that Dmytruk would not be able to participate.
“Since I was the next highest-ranked athlete, I was selected. I will strive to perform my best,” she expressed.
In the current 2025/26 season, Shemyakina has participated in six international events, achieving a top-20 finish at the Grand Prix in Doha and a 30th place at the World Cup in Wuxi, China.
Vlada Kharkova: Limited Participation After a Stellar Season
The team will head to the Euro without the reigning world champion, Kharkova, who had an exceptional 2025 season, combining individual world gold with team success at the Euro.
In contrast to her previous season, where she competed in nine international events, Kharkova has only participated in one this year, finishing 38th at the Grand Prix in Budapest.
“There are reasons for my limited participation this season. I cannot say I am prepared for the Euro,” Kharkova stated following her recent performances.
Despite her challenges, Kharkova remains focused on competing in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, following her seventh-place finish in the individual event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“This period has been beneficial for me. I have rediscovered myself, taken a break, and reassessed my approach to fencing. Having been involved in the sport since I was nine, this pause has been a unique and valuable experience for me,” she reflected.
The European Championship in June is one of the two major fencing events this summer, with the World Championship set to take place in Hong Kong from July 22-30, where Kharkova will not defend her individual title.
The Ukrainian women's sabre fencing team is set to compete at the European Championship with a revised lineup, missing key athlete Vlada Kharkova. Yana Shemyakina returns to the team, bringing her experience to the forefront as the squad prepares for the competition in France.