Israeli high jumper wins gold at under-20 world championships
Yonathan Kapitolnik sets a new Israeli record with his 2.26-meter jump at event in Kenya
An 18-year-old Israeli high jumper won gold on Saturday at the under-20 world championships, setting a new national record for the age category.
Yonathan Kapitolnik launched himself 2.26 meters high at a World Athletic competition in Nairobi, Kenya.
His score placed him second overall in the 2021 season’s outdoor high jump for men under the age of 20.
“In each jump, I pushed myself as much as I could and did my best. I met the goal and it was great,” he said following the win.
His medal is Israel’s second-ever global gold medal across any age group, World Athletics said.
Countries such as the United States, Britain, Germany, Australia, China, and Japan did not participate in the championship, largely due to COVID restrictions, but did in other similar contests held earlier in the year.
His jump on Saturday was not only his personal best, but also set a new national record for men under the age of 20.
Kapitolnik also won gold at the European Youth Championships this year with 2.25 meters.