Ukrainian foil fencer Sopit became the 2026 European champion

19 June 03:09

Ukrainian foil fencer Olga Sopit became the 2026 European Fencing Champion. The 23-year-old athlete won the gold medal in the individual foil competition at the continental championship, which is taking place in the French city of Antony. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", citing the Ukrainian Fencing Federation.

This victory is historic for Ukraine: it is the first time a Ukrainian athlete has won gold at the European Championships in women’s foil.

Historic Gold for Ukraine

Olga Sopit won her first-ever gold medal at the European Senior Championships. This is a special achievement for Ukrainian women’s foil, as Ukraine had previously won only bronze and silver medals in this discipline at continental championships.

In 2007, Olga Leleiko won the bronze medal, and in 2024, Daria Myronyuk took silver. Now, the first gold medal has been added to this list—Olga Sopit’s victory.

How Sopit Progressed Through the Tournament

The Ukrainian successfully advanced through the group stage, after which she began a winning streak in the playoffs.

On her way to the title, Sopit defeated:

Lilly Maria Brügger of Austria — 14–7;
Marta Jakubowska of Poland — 15–7;
Daria Myronyuk of Ukraine — 12–11;
Spain’s María Marino — 15–8;
Arianna Errigo of Italy — 15–8.

The quarterfinal match against Daria Myronyuk was particularly intense. Sopit was trailing during the bout, but managed to tie the score and snatch victory in extra time.

Victory over a European Championship medalist in the semifinals

In the semifinals, Olga Sopit faced Spain’s María Marino—the bronze medalist from the previous European Championship.

The Ukrainian put on a confident performance and won with a score of 15–8. This victory alone guaranteed Sopit a medal, but she didn’t stop there and advanced to the final.

The Final Against the Legendary Arianna Errigo

In the decisive match, Olga Sopit faced one of the world’s most decorated fencers—Italy’s Arianna Errigo.

Errigo is an Olympic champion, a multiple world champion, and a 15-time European champion. Despite her opponent’s status, Sopit delivered a brilliant performance in the final and won with a score of 15–8.

ANTONY, EUROPEAN FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS
IN PHOTO: ERRIGO Arianna ITA vs SOPIT Olga UKR
PHOTO BY ANDREA ALEGNI #BIZZITEAM

This result was one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 European Championships.

Ukraine’s second medal at the 2026 European Championships

Olga Sopit’s gold medal was the second medal won by the Ukrainian national team at the 2026 European Fencing Championships.

Earlier, Ukrainian sabre fencer Alina Komashchuk won a bronze medal in the individual competition.

Thus, the Ukrainian team now has both a gold and a bronze medal in the medal count.

Olga Sopit’s victory has not only sporting but also historical significance. She became the first Ukrainian woman to win the European Championship in women’s foil.

In addition, in the final, she defeated one of the strongest and most decorated rivals in modern fencing. This lends even greater significance to her victory.

For Sopit herself, this is her first medal at a senior European Championship and the greatest achievement of her career at this level.

What We Know About Olga Sopit

Olga Sopit is a 23-year-old Ukrainian foil fencer from Kyiv. Prior to this, her main achievements at the senior level were medals at World Cup events.

She has also enjoyed success at the youth level, including a medal at the Junior World Championships in team foil and a gold medal at the U23 European Championships in individual competition.

Now, the athlete has added her biggest victory to her list of achievements—the title of European champion in the senior category.

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Dzvenyslava Karplyuk

Editor