Russia's Fencing Coach Resigns Over Meager Medal Haul

© RIA Novosti . Mikhail Mokrushin / Go to the mediabankVladislav Pavlovich
Vladislav Pavlovich - Sputnik International
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The head coach of Russian fencing has submitted his resignation over the team's meager medal haul at the London Olympics.

(UPDATES with background)

The head coach of Russian fencing has submitted his resignation over the team's meager medal haul at the London Olympics.

Vladislav Pavlovich told reporters on Sunday that he had offered to step down after the country won just three medals, half of their pre-Olympic target.

"I have submitted my resignation in writing," said Pavlovich, who as a fencer won gold in the men's team foil at Sydney 2000.

"I don't know if the federation will accept it or not. I did it yesterday, because we failed to fulfill our Olympic plan."

Russia's medal winners were Sofya Velikaya, who took silver in the women's individual sabre; Nikolay Kovalev, who took the bronze in the men's event; and the women's team, who took silver in the foil.

On the ninth day of competition, Russia has just three golds overall, with 15 silver and 10 bronze, and appears increasingly unlikely to reach sports ministry targets of 25 gold.

Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko had earlier singled out shooting and fencing as examples of sports where Russians had put in underwhelming performances.

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