Sofya Velikaya

Sofya Velikaya, born on June eighth, nineteen eighty-five, is a distinguished Russian sabre fencer known for her remarkable achievements in the sport. With a career that has spanned over a decade, she has established herself as a formidable competitor on the international stage.

Velikaya's accolades include being a four-time individual and six-time team European champion, as well as a two-time individual and six-time team world champion. Her prowess in fencing has also led her to compete in the Olympics on four occasions: in two thousand eight, two thousand twelve, two thousand sixteen, and two thousand twenty. Notably, she has earned three individual silver medals during these prestigious games.

In a gesture of solidarity, Velikaya dedicated her team's gold medal from the two thousand sixteen Olympics to the Russian athletes who faced bans due to doping violations. This act highlighted her commitment to her fellow competitors and the integrity of the sport.

As of January twenty twenty-four, Velikaya has taken on a new role, being named among the proxies for presidential candidate Vladimir Putin in the upcoming two thousand twenty-four Russian presidential election, further intertwining her athletic career with her involvement in national affairs.