Sofya Velikaya, a distinguished fencer from Russia, has had a remarkable career in the sport. Born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, she began fencing at the age of 14. Her older brother Grigoriy encouraged her to take up the sport, which she initially found challenging. Despite starting late, she quickly adapted and excelled.

| Season | Event | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Women's Team Sabre | G Gold |
| 2021 | Women's Individual Sabre | S Silver |
| 2016 | Women's Team Sabre | G Gold |
| 2016 | Women's Individual Sabre | S Silver |
| 2012 | Women's Individual Sabre | S Silver |
| 2008 | Women's Individual Sabre | 4 |
| 2008 | Women's Team Sabre | 5 |
Velikaya has participated in four Olympic Games. She won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, making her the first fencer to claim three Olympic medals in women's individual sabre. Her achievements earned her several honours, including the Order of Friendship and the Order of Honour from the Russian Federation.
Throughout her career, Velikaya faced challenges, including an elbow injury that caused her to miss the 2015 Russian Championships. Despite these setbacks, she continued to strive for excellence and remained motivated by her love for the sport.
Velikaya resides in Moscow with her son Oleg and daughter Zoya. She speaks both English and Russian fluently. Her family name means 'great' in Russian, a name she feels carries significant responsibility.
Looking ahead, Velikaya aims to win a gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Her motivation stems from her experiences at previous Olympics and the support of her family. She remains committed to inspiring others and representing her country with pride.
In addition to her fencing career, Velikaya has served as head of the athletes' commission of the Russian Olympic Committee. She holds a master's degree and is pursuing PhD studies at Moscow State University.
The story of Velikaya's rivalry with fellow Russian fencer Yana Egorian inspired the Russian sports drama film 'On the Edge', released in 2020. The film brought back many memories for Velikaya, reminding her of her journey through various Olympic Games.
After the 2012 London Olympics, Velikaya took a break from fencing to give birth to her son. She returned to competition in 2014 and continued to achieve success on the international stage.
Sofya Velikaya's journey in fencing is a testament to her resilience and dedication. As she prepares for future competitions, she remains an inspiration to many aspiring athletes worldwide.
Sofya Velikaya, a distinguished fencer from Russia, has had a remarkable career in the sport. Born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, she began fencing at the age of 14. Her older brother Grigoriy encouraged her to take up the sport, which she initially found challenging. Despite starting late, she quickly adapted and excelled.