In an electrifying performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Israeli men's 4x200m freestyle relay team — comprising Bar Soloveychik, Eitan Ben Shitrit, Gal Cohen Groumi, and Denis Loktev — shattered the Israeli national record with a stunning time of 7:08.43. This incredible feat not only secured their advancement to the final but also marked a historic milestone as the first time Israel has reached an Olympic final in this event.
The team tied with Japan, both teams clinching the 8th spot, guaranteeing their place in tonight’s much-anticipated final. This breakthrough represents Israel’s first swimming final of the Paris Games, a momentous achievement that has captivated the nation.
Unyielding Spirit Amid Unprecedented Security Measures
The remarkable performance of the Israeli swimmers is perhaps partly attributed to the robust security measures in place, allowing the athletes to focus solely on their sport. Israeli competitors have expressed feeling safe and protected, thanks to the meticulous efforts of French security agents and the Israeli team’s own security personnel.
Israel Olympic Update
— Sports Rabbi (@thesportsrabbi) July 30, 2024
Swimming Men's 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Team: Denis Loktev, Bar Soloveychik, Eitan Ben Shitrit & Gal Cohen Groumi finish 5th in their semifinal heat & 8th overall to advance to the finals of the competition at 23:15 today Israel time!
“We have a lot of security, and I feel safe. The atmosphere is crazy, it’s great,” said Aviv Barzelay, who competed in the women’s 100 meters backstroke at the La Defense Arena. This sentiment of safety is crucial, especially in light of recent threats. On Sunday, Paris prosecutors revealed that police were investigating death threats against three Israeli athletes. Additionally, Israel’s foreign minister warned of a potential Iranian-backed plot targeting Israeli athletes and tourists.
The shadow of the 1972 Munich Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes were tragically killed by Palestinian militants, looms large, making the current security measures even more significant. Anastasia Gorbenko, after her 400 meters individual medley swim, expressed gratitude: “We have pretty tough security, so I’m really thankful for their job and what they are doing for us, that they are here and making a safe environment for us.”
ISRAEL WINS THE GOLD!
— Dov Lipman (@DovLipman) June 23, 2024
Congratulations to Anastasia Gorbenko, Daria Golovaty, Ayla Spitz, and Lea Polonsky. They won the gold medal for Israel in the women’s 4x200 freestyle relay at the European Championships in Belgrade, Serbia. pic.twitter.com/ChMv13DQfy
A Testament to Unity Through Sport
Despite the intense political backdrop, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the Israeli athletes emphasize the unifying power of sports. “I would love the sport to be only about swimming and nothing about political stuff and about the country situation,” added Gorbenko, whose Ukrainian-born parents underscore her diverse heritage. “Palestinians, Israelis, Arabs, Muslims, Jewish, it doesn’t matter. We are all here to do sports, that’s what’s special about the Games.”
As the Israeli team prepares for the final, their journey symbolizes more than just athletic excellence; it’s a testament to resilience, unity, and the spirit of the Olympics. The nation watches with bated breath, ready to cheer on their heroes as they make history in the pool.
