PARIS — Israeli swimmer Ami Dadaon triumphed in the men’s 100m freestyle S4 disability event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics on Friday, securing his second consecutive day of success for Israeli Paralympians.
Dadaon achieved a gold medal with a time of 1:20.25, capping a remarkable performance that included setting a new Paralympic record earlier in the day with a time of 1:19.33.
Dadaon’s victory is a significant milestone in his career, following a successful showing at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, where he earned three medals.
Born with cerebral palsy, the 23-year-old athlete began swimming at the age of six and has since become a formidable competitor on the international stage.
His gold medal in the 100m freestyle adds to Israel’s medal tally, following a notable victory by taekwondo fighter Asaf Yasur, who won gold on Thursday.
Dadaon’s achievement underscores his continued excellence in the sport as he prepares for upcoming events in the Paris Games.
He is scheduled to compete in the 150m individual medley, 200m freestyle, and 50m freestyle. His performance in the 100m freestyle not only highlights his skill and determination but also reinforces Israel’s strong presence in the Paralympic arena.
The Paralympic success for Israel is not limited to Dadaon’s swimming achievements. In taekwondo, Adnan Milad secured a place in the bronze medal match in the men’s under-63kg weight class.
Milad’s path to the bronze medal match was unusual; his Iranian opponent, Saeid Sadeghianpour, failed to appear for the bout, resulting in a default victory for Milad.
This development adds to the sense of accomplishment for the Israeli team, which has shown strong performances across various disciplines at the Paris Paralympics.
The contrast between Dadaon’s swimming prowess and Milad’s unusual route to the medal rounds exemplifies the diverse and unpredictable nature of the Paralympic Games.
As the 2024 Paralympics continue, Israeli athletes remain a force to be reckoned with, demonstrating exceptional talent and resilience. With Dadaon’s continued participation in multiple events, the expectations are high for further successes and memorable moments.