Israeli rhythmic gymnastics team wins gold at European Championships

Unprecedented clubs and hoops victory gives girls' squad momentum for August Olympics in Rio

By ToI Staff 19 June 2016, 9:21 pm
Israel's rhythmic gymnastics team receives the gold medal at the the 32nd Rhythmic Gymnastics European championships 2016 at the Holon Toto Hall in Holon on June 19, 2016. (Courtesy Israel Gymnastic Association Facebook)

Israel’s rhythmic gymnastics team won a gold medal on Sunday at the European Championships for the first time in the group’s history.

The five-member, all-girl squad took gold in the clubs and hoops category.

The team also won a silver medal for its ribbon routine, and, two days ago, captured the bronze in the all-around competition.

The team from Belarus topped the Israeli squad in ribbons, with 18.516 points to 18.4.

Israeli gymnasts team celebrate their gold medals on the podium after the Group Senior apparatus final – 3 pairs of clubs and 2 hoops during the 32nd Rhythmic Gymnastics European championships 2016 at the Holon Toto Hall in the Israeli city of Holon, on June 19, 2016. Israel won the gold medal, while Spain took the silver medal and Bulgaria won the bronze. (AFP/ THOMAS COEX)

The favorite, Russia, disappointed with many mistakes, earning a score of just 17.933, which kept it off the podium.

After Sunday’s success of the Israeli rhythmic gymnasts at the European Championships — which took place in the Israeli city of Holon — the team will be heading in August to the Olympics in Rio, where it will compete in the all-around.

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