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As the Paris Olympic Games draw to a close, Israel’s athletes have been making their mark in a range of disciplines.
The spotlight has been on rhythmic gymnast Daria Atamanov, whose performances in the Individual All-Around Qualification stage have set the stage for a thrilling finale.
Daria Atamanov’s Remarkable Qualification
On Thursday, all Israeli eyes were on Daria Atamanov as she competed in the Individual All-Around Qualification stage in rhythmic gymnastics.
The young athlete delivered a stunning performance, finishing the ball routine with a score of 32.700 and the hoop routine with a score of 33.250, placing her 11th overall.
Atamanov continued to impress in the ribbon and clubs routines, scoring 32.400 and 32.100 respectively, culminating in an overall score of 130.450.
This remarkable achievement secured her seventh place and a coveted spot in the finals. “I was really excited the entire day from top to bottom, it was a lot of fun,” Atamanov said.
“I tried to do my maximum in each of my routines. Now I am going to focus on tomorrow and hopefully I can do even better than I did today.”
Her coach, Ayelet Zussman, expressed her pride in Atamanov’s performance. “She came in here without Olympic experience but she didn’t just do the maximum, she did more than above and beyond. I really believe in her and in her abilities as we head into the finals.”
The Rise of Daria Atamanov
Daria Atamanov, coached by Ayelet Zussman and former gymnast and 2020 Olympic gold medalist Linoy Ashram, has rapidly emerged as a star in the world of rhythmic gymnastics.
At just 18 years old, she has already accumulated multiple medals in all four apparatuses—ball, hoop, clubs, and ribbon—as well as in all-around competitions.
The Rishon Lezion native’s journey has been marked by dedication and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.
In February, she was awarded the “Outstanding Performance” accolade by the European Gymnastics Union, a testament to her growing prowess in the sport.
Other Israeli Olympians Making Waves
While Atamanov has been a standout, other Israeli athletes have also been striving for excellence in their respective fields.
In Marseille, Women’s Kite competitor Gal Zukerman finished in third place in Semifinal A but was eliminated from medal contention.
Meanwhile, the Mixed Dinghy team of Nitai Hasson and Noa Lasry finished the medal race in 10th place and ended the competition seventh overall.
Matan Roditi: Aiming for Marathon Swimming Glory
On Friday, Israeli swimmer Matan Roditi will take to the waters in the 10km Men’s Marathon Swimming event. Roditi, who finished fourth in this event at the Tokyo Olympics, is looking to secure a medal for Israel.
He qualified for the Paris Games in February at the World Open Water Championships, where he placed 10th out of 79 swimmers in the 10km race with a time of 1:48:31.7 at the Doha Port in Qatar.
Roditi’s preparation for the Olympics has been intense and focused. “I’ve been training rigorously, focusing on endurance and strategy.”
“The competition is fierce, but I am confident in my abilities and ready to give it my all,” Roditi said. The 25-year-old’s dedication and determination have made him one of Israel’s top swimming prospects.
Rhythmic Gymnastics Team Eyeing the Finals
Also on Friday, the Rhythmic Gymnastics Team will aim to qualify for the Group All-Around Final, which will take place on Saturday.
The squad, consisting of Ofir Shaham, Diana Svertsov, Adar Friedmann, Romi Paritzki, and Shai Bakanov, has enjoyed much success in recent years.
They won the European Cup in Baku in 2024 and the World Championships in Valencia in 2023.
The team is a strong contender for a medal and hopes to hear Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem, played once again in Paris.
Artistic Swimming: Bobritsky and Nassee in Sync
On Friday and Saturday, the Artistic Swimming duo of Shelly Bobritsky and Ariel Nassee will compete in the Duet Technical Routine and the Duet Free Routine.
This will be Bobritsky’s second Olympic Games and Nassee’s debut. The pair has been performing together for several years, achieving significant success.
In 2023, they won gold at the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup Super Final in Oviedo, Spain, and in April, they captured gold again in the Women’s Duet Free at the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup in Beijing, China.
“Our synergy and understanding of each other’s movements have been key to our success,” Bobritsky said. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our routines on the Olympic stage.”
Marathon Runners: Teferi, Amare, and Ayale
A trio of men’s marathon runners—Maru Teferi, Girmaw Amare, and Gashau Ayale—will take to the streets of Paris, seeking to make history for Israel. For Teferi, this will be his third Olympics, Amare his second, and Ayale his first.
All three Ethiopia-born runners, who made Aliyah over the past couple of decades, recently competed in a half marathon, finishing in the top 10 at the European Athletic Championships in Rome, Italy.
Teferi, the veteran of the group, shared his thoughts on the upcoming race. “The Olympics are always a special experience. We’ve trained hard, and we’re ready to compete at our best.”
Mikhail Yakovlev: Cycling for Gold
In the realm of cycling, Mikhail Yakovlev will compete in the Men’s Keirin, building on his strong performance in the Sprint earlier in the week.
Keirin races are roughly 2.5 minutes long and consist of six laps, totaling 1.5 kilometers. The cyclists are paced by a motorized bike for the first three laps, with the speed increasing from 30 to 50 kilometers per hour, followed by a three-lap sprint to the finish.
Yakovlev’s determination is palpable. “Every second counts in Keirin. I’ve been working on my speed and endurance to ensure I can compete with the best,” Yakovlev said.
Women’s Marathon: Salpeter and Tayouri
The Women’s Marathon on Sunday, the final day of the Games, will feature Israeli runners Lonah Chemtai Salpeter and Maor Tayouri.
Salpeter, who had the honor of being Israel’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony, is competing in her third Olympics.
After challenging showings in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, she is determined to perform well in Paris. Tayouri, also in her third Games, aims to improve on her previous results.
“I’ve learned a lot from my past experiences,” Salpeter said. “I’m coming into these Games with a renewed focus and determination.”
The Final Stretch: Medals and Memories
As the Games reach their final days, Israeli athletes continue to inspire with their dedication, perseverance, and outstanding performances.
The achievements of Daria Atamanov in rhythmic gymnastics, Matan Roditi in marathon swimming, and the numerous other competitors across various sports showcase the breadth of talent and hard work within the Israeli delegation.
Rhythmic Gymnastics: A Legacy of Excellence
Israel’s rhythmic gymnastics program has been steadily growing in strength and reputation over the past decade.
The legacy left by Linoy Ashram, who won gold in Tokyo 2020, has been a source of inspiration for the current crop of gymnasts.
Ashram’s guidance, alongside Ayelet Zussman’s coaching, has been instrumental in developing young talents like Daria Atamanov.
“Linoy’s success has paved the way for us,” Atamanov noted. “Having her as a mentor is invaluable. She understands the pressures and the challenges, and her advice has been crucial in my preparation.”
Preparing for the Finals
With the finals in sight, Atamanov is focused on maintaining her form and composure. The final round will require her to perform under immense pressure, but her coaches and teammates are confident in her abilities.
“Daria has the skills and the mental strength to succeed,” Zussman said. “We’ve prepared for this moment, and now it’s about executing the routines with precision and grace.”
Atamanov’s journey to the finals is a culmination of years of rigorous training and dedication. Her performances have not only earned her a place among the top gymnasts but have also captured the hearts of fans back home.
The support from Israel has been overwhelming, with messages of encouragement flooding social media.
Swimming for Glory
Matan Roditi’s journey in marathon swimming has been one of grit and perseverance. The 10km open water event is one of the most demanding, requiring not just physical endurance but also strategic acumen.
Roditi’s near-podium finish in Tokyo has fueled his determination to secure a medal in Paris.
“Every race is a learning experience,” Roditi said. “Tokyo taught me a lot about pacing and strategy. I’ve worked on those aspects, and I’m ready to give it my all in Paris.”
Roditi’s preparation has involved extensive training in various open water conditions to adapt to the unpredictable nature of the event. His coaches have emphasized the importance of mental resilience and staying focused throughout the grueling race.
Artistic Swimming: The Power of Partnership
Shelly Bobritsky and Ariel Nassee’s partnership in artistic swimming exemplifies the power of teamwork and synchronization. The duo’s success on the world stage has been built on years of training together