Alina Polozuyk Won a Historic Medal for Ukraine at the World Fencing Championships
Ukrainian fencer Alina Polozuyk won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Hong Kong. She became the first athlete in Ukrainian history to win a medal at the World Championships in women’s foil.
On her way to the medal, Polozuyk defeated three-time world champion and world No. 1 Martina Batini of Italy in the quarterfinals. The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine announced the Ukrainian athlete’s historic achievement.
“Hong Kong, China, is hosting the World Fencing Championships from July 22 to 30. Rapier fencer Alina Polozuyk opened the medal tally for the Ukrainian national team at the world championships. The 24-year-old athlete won a bronze medal, which became Ukraine’s first-ever World Championship medal in women’s foil,” the statement reads.
It is noted that Alina confidently advanced through the preliminary round and qualified for the main draw. Starting in the round of 32, the Ukrainian defeated 2026 European Championship bronze medalist Maria Marino (15–6), and then eliminated China’s Huang Qianqian with a score of 15–6. In the round of 1/8, Alina secured a hard-fought victory over Moldova’s Adeline Senik, 10–9.
In the quarterfinals, the Ukrainian celebrated one of the most resounding victories of her career, confidently defeating the world No. 1, three-time world champion and seven-time European champion Martina Batini of Italy—15–9. Alina got off to a brilliant start, landing nine jabs in a row and taking a 9–0 lead. This victory guaranteed the athlete a medal at the world championships!
In the semifinals, the Ukrainian foil fencer lost to another decorated Italian athlete—multiple world and European champion Arianna Errigo (7–15)—finishing her campaign with a bronze medal.
"This is Ukraine’s first medal in women’s foil in the history of the World Championships. For Alina Polozuyk, this year’s World Championships mark her fourth appearance at the event. In 2023, she became the first Ukrainian foil fencer to reach the individual podium at a Grand Prix series tournament. She also has a bronze medal from the European Team Championships, two team medals from the World Cup, a medal from the Junior World Championships, two medals from the European Cadet and Junior Championships, and three medals from the European U-23 Championships,” the NOC added.
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