Israel’s must-see athletes at the 2012 Games
Three weeks before the Olympics get underway, a guide to the top blue-and-white medal hopefuls
Aaron Kalman is a former writer and breaking news editor for the Times of Israel
In three weeks, on July 27, the Israeli delegation will march into the spotlight at London’s Olympic Park. Thirty-seven athletes will be wearing blue-and-white, and Shahar Tzuberi will wave the flag, as millions, perhaps billions, of people across the globe watch the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games.
For two weeks the world will hold its breath as the finest athletes compete on center stage for the right to have their name added to the history books of sports.
Millions of Israelis will be crossing their fingers for the blue-and-white team in its bid to bring home gold… or silver or bronze. A single athlete could make an entire country very happy. Who might it be? Which events should supporters of the team make a point of watching?
Wonderful on water
Sailing and surfing are two of the fields in which Israelis have thrived in the international arena. Windsurfer Gal Fridman is the only Israeli to date to win Olympic gold, and have Hatikvah played at the winners podium. This time around, there are several medal hopefuls who will try to match that feat:
Shahar Tzuberi: Winner of a bronze medal in the ’08 games, a talented windsurfer and the current world champion. If Tzuberi can keep up his good form, he could become only the second Israeli (after Fridman) to win more than one Olympic medal. First race — July 31, 12 p.m.
Lee Korzits: After coming back from a spinal injury, the Israeli phenomenon won back-to-back world championships in 2011 and 2012. The 28-year-old wants to add an Olympic medal to her three world windsurfing championships, and in so doing, become the first Israeli woman to win a medal since 1992. First race — July 31, 12 p.m.
Gil Cohen and Vered Buskila: The two experienced sailors, who handle the 470 boat, placed fourth in this year’s World Championship. Both have won previous competitions, and they would love to add an Olympic medal to their trophy cabinet. First race — August 3, 12 p.m.
Gideon Kliger and Eran Sela: The duo placed third in the 2011 European Championship, and won the silver medal in the 2012 World Cup, showing they’re steering their 470 boat to London at top speed. First race — August 2, 12 p.m.
The joy of judo
Israeli has done well in judo ever since Yael Arad became the first Israeli to win an Olympic medal, bringing home the silver at the ’92 games in Barcelona. A few hours later, Oren Smadja won a bronze. Two members of the 2012 delegation stand above the rest when fighting on the mat:
Arik Zeevi: The 35-year-old heavyweight judoka, a four-time European champion and winner of an Olympic bronze medal in ’04, knows that this is probably his last shot at the gold. First round — August 2, starting at 9:30 a.m.
Alice Schlesinger: Winner of the silver medal in Germany’s Grand-Prix this year, the young judoka is one of the best girls on the mats. First round — July 31, starting at 9:30 a.m.
Great in the gym
The gymnastic categories were never Israel’s strongest sports, and it has never won a medal in the field. This could be the year that changes:
Alex Shatilov: The Uzbekistan-born athlete was the first Israeli to reach an Olympic final in gymnastics (2008), and the first to win medals at world championship and world cup contests (2011). Specializing in the floor exercises, the 25-year-old artistic gymnast is looking for his first Olympic medal. Qualifying Round July 28, Individual All-Around August 1, Floor Exercise August 5.
Rhythmic Gymnastics Team: The six women on the team caught the country’s eye after winning the bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships in France. In addition to the team, it’s also worth keeping an eye on Neta Rivkin, the first Israeli rhythmic gymnast to win medals at European and world championships (2011). Teams start on August 9, 2:45 p.m., individuals at 12 p.m.
Israel has several searing memories forged at the biggest sporting event in the world, from victories to disappointments to enduring scars of terrorism.
Though the country is no sports powerhouse, it has won at least one medal every four years since Arad’s breakthrough in Barcelona 20 years ago. Will the tradition continue this summer?
