“I don’t look Russians in the eye, I just win”: European fencing champion Svichkar on sports during the war and “neutral” Russians
1 July 19:58
INTERVIEW
In the midst of the war, Ukraine has once again proved that the nation is unbreakable not only at the front, but also in the sports arena. Roman Svichkar, the 2025 European Fencing Champion and finalist at the Tokyo Olympics, won the gold the country had been waiting for for over 30 years. More than 20 years of training, hundreds of grueling trips during the war, and the inspiring heroism of Ukrainian defenders. In an interview with "Komersant Ukrainian", the athlete spoke about his victories, the fight against unfair conditions, meetings with Russians at tournaments, and international support. This conversation is not only about sports, but also about Ukraine, pain, resilience, challenges, and gratitude.
– Roman, congratulations on your historic victory! What does this medal mean to you and what role does fencing as a sport play in Ukraine’s international image?
This medal is very important and long-awaited for me. I’ve been fencing for over 20 years, I’ve been training since 2002. And after the 2018 World Championships, this is my first individual medal – that is, 7 years have passed. But most importantly, this victory is important for Ukraine. This is the first medal at the European Championships in 31 years. The last time we won gold in the individual competition was in 1994, when Vitaliy Ageev won. Also now, for the first time in history, our women’s epee has won gold. And I am very happy to be a part of this breakthrough.
– There are different types of fencing. Could you please explain what is special about your type of weapon?
– There are three types of weapons in fencing: epee, foil and sabre. I specialize in the sword. It is unique in that it allows you to hit any part of the opponent’s body – even in the arm, even in the mask, even in the leg. Unlike the rapier, where the area of damage is only the torso, and arms and legs do not count. In sabre, you don’t stab, you touch the opponent with the blade, and only above the waist. Epee is about precision, strategy, and complete freedom.
Another important point is the equipment. Our equipment is very reliable, because it is a cold weapon, but still a weapon. Our suits have a Kevlar thread, the same as in body armor and helmets. This ensures safety on the track. Saber and rapier fighters wear an additional metal jacket. But in general, we are all well protected.
– What were your thoughts during the final battle? What is your inner state at such moments?
It’s hard to describe in words. Fencing is an entourage, historical sport. Everyone should try it: regardless of weight, height or build, everyone can achieve results here. We combine physical and psychological stress and tactical thinking. You have to be concentrated to the maximum. Sometimes sensations are created not by the most titled athletes, but by those who simply have “their day”.
In the final, when I already realized that I was guaranteed a medal, I really wanted to hear the Ukrainian anthem. I remembered how in 2012, at a training camp in the Carpathians, I ran 8 kilometers in the morning and imagined myself on the podium with a medal. Back then we won team gold, but now it’s different. Standing on the podium, I felt a lump in my throat. I remembered the difficult moments, the trials, the path. I am very proud of the country. The emotions are incredible.
– What are the biggest challenges on the way to victory?
It is a long way. For me, it’s more than two decades of work, training, and travel. But now it is more difficult than ever. We are not on equal terms with other athletes. For example, it took us 37 hours to get from Estonia to Ukraine, then I had only two training sessions at home and again 37 hours on the road to Italy for the European Championships. Then there was an international training camp in Hungary, and the journey took another 35-40 hours. It’s hard, but I’m grateful that we have the opportunity to represent Ukraine, to raise the flag, to fight on the international stage. We also always explain to international journalists that we are not on an equal footing because the country is at war, we are under fire, and our coaches are worried about the children. For example, Olena Kryvytska, an Olympic champion, has a child at home. She does not sleep at night. This is a huge burden.
– How do you feel about the participation of so-called “neutral” athletes from Russia in competitions?
Sometimes we have to fence against them. They are allowed not only to participate in individual but also in team competitions. And when you go on the track against such an opponent, your concentration triples. It’s not just a fight anymore – it’s a responsibility. We try to win quietly, in a sporty way: no shouting, no insults. Maximum concentration and victory is our answer.
– Were there any provocations by the Russians during the competition? Is there an algorithm of actions in such situations?
In my experience, there were no outright provocations. But we try not to even cross paths with them. If I see a Russian athlete, I don’t make eye contact, I walk around. On the track, I go out, fence, win, and go back to my corner. I ignore them as much as possible. Because our goal is to win. And it is the best answer.
– How do foreigners react to Ukrainians today? Is there any support?
Yes, and it is very sincere. For example, Italians invited my family and me to a meeting. A friend from Canada organized a fundraiser, helped us through an English-language platform, and everything went to the Ukrainian fund. When we were under heavy shelling in Kyiv, a friend from Denmark wrote to me simply: “Roman, how are you? How is your family?” It’s amazing. Sometimes they find out not even from my pages, but from the news and write. It’s very supportive.
– Next, you are going to Hungary for a training camp before the World Championships. What challenges do Ukrainian athletes face while training in countries like Hungary, which maintain an ambiguous position on Russia’s war against Ukraine?
I am grateful to the Hungarian side for inviting us to the training camp. The world’s top athletes are here, and we train together. One of the Hungarian fencers was very happy when he saw me competing after the full-scale invasion began. They were worried, afraid that something had happened to me. It was sincere. The situation in Ukraine does not leave the world indifferent. People know what is happening.
– Does the state support athletes who carry the Ukrainian flag in international arenas enough – and will your victory be an argument for new state investments in sports?
We train at the Olympic base, go to training camps, and are taken to competitions. The team is funded. I would like to see more support for the reserve team, more equipment. But we understand that resources are limited in times of war.
We were building a swimming pool at the base, but the process was suspended because of the army’s priority. But we have salaries, we are able to perform – this is important. We want the infrastructure to develop, and we want sports to be supported even more.
– How expensive is fencing?
– Blades are consumables. One costs 150-160 euros, and they often break and get deformed. There are many other parts that need to be replaced. We fence, we want results, but the costs are high.
Our coaches are former world and European champions. They invest everything in us. But without support, especially sponsorship, it is very difficult. I want the sports management system to develop in Ukraine, for international companies to come and support us.
– You are also actively involved in social projects. Tell us a little bit about them.
– My team and I hold master classes for children from dangerous regions, for displaced children. We went to Okhmatdyt. Athletes and folk groups often visit there, which is important for children.
I am also concerned about environmental issues. I cooperate with “Ukraine without Garbage”. There is a phrase I love: “When you sort and send it for recycling, it is no longer garbage, but useful raw materials.”
I also want to do more interviews with champions and stories about sports. I want us to be a healthy nation. In Canada, I saw five events taking place simultaneously in one hall: wheelchair basketball, fencing, rock climbing, figure skating… This is a healthy nation. And I believe that we will get there too.
– What keeps you going, inspires you, keeps you going?
Our military. What they do is heroic. Many are no longer with us. Many are seriously wounded. But when they thank us for our victories, it inspires us even more. They say: “Oleksandr Usyk is boxing, and we are watching his fight somewhere in a dugout.” The support of the military is inspiring.
– Thank you for the conversation. You are an example for the whole of Ukraine.
Thank you very much. Glory to Ukraine!
– Glory to the heroes!
Written by Anastasia Fedor
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