Famed Ukrainian fencer Elena Kravatska has announced that she will not be participating in the 2025 World Championship due to her mother's critical health condition.

This announcement was shared by the Olympic champion of Paris in the team event on her Instagram page.

"I am going through a challenging time in my life. My mother is slowly fading. It’s cancer. This is her third relapse. She needs round-the-clock care, like a child - with all the tenderness and love. I see her diminishing. Physically and emotionally.

At the same time, I was supposed to prepare for the world championship. Choosing not to go has been one of the most painful decisions. Because fencing is not just a sport. It’s part of me. It’s my air. My "I". And saying "no" at such a moment was incredibly difficult. But I did.

Despite everything - I am happy. In spite of the fatigue, I love. Despite the pain, I exist. And that is already a lot. If you are going through something similar right now - I am with you. You are not alone. You will endure. And you are already heroes," Kravatska stated.

The 2025 World Championship will take place from July 22 to 26 in Tbilisi. Earlier, a number of "neutral" athletes from Russia and Belarus were allowed to compete.

fencing, Elena Kravatska