Gymnast Artem Dolgopyat’s win marks only the second Olympic goal medal in Israeli history
By Nosson Shulman: Licensed Tour Guide of VIP Israel Tours & Authentic Virtual Tours (click here to check out his free trailer videos)
History was made today. For only the second time ever, the Israeli national anthem was played as gymnast Artem Dolgopyat was awarded the gold medal (in all Olympic competitions, the national anthem of the gold medalist is played during the award ceremony). This news instantly catapulted the 24-year-old athlete into the national spotlight. Upon hearing this incredible news, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett paused the weekly cabinet meeting to personally call and congratulate him. Former Prime Minister (and current head of the official opposition) Benjamin Netanyahu also congratulated him saying “Great job, Artem! You’ve brought a huge achievement to Israel. We’re all proud of you.” In response, the gymnast said “I’m very satisfied with the win. I’ve fulfilled my dream and represented the State of Israel with honor. I’d like to thank all those who accompanied me in that moment. It warms my heart.”
Artem Dolgopyat, 24 years old, was born in the Ukraine and made Aliyah (immigrated to Israel) at 12 with his parents. A passionate gymnast from the tender age of 6, he has competed around the world, winning international competitions in Montreal, Turkey, Europe, and other locales. He now joins Gal Friedman, gold medalist in the 2004 Olympic wind surfing competition, as the only Israeli to win the top prize.
Besides the gold, Israel has thus far earned two bronze medals in Tokyo (itself an Israeli record as Israel has never earned more than two medals at a single game) in woman’s Taekwondo and mixed Judo. With more competitions yet to take place, Israel may well earn additional medals.
Israel’s first ever Olympic team competed in the 1952 summer games which took place in Helsinki, Finland. Since then, Israel has competed in 17 more games. To date, Israel has won 12 medals (2 Gold, 1 Silver and 9 Bronze medals) altogether, with several in Judo.
When people consider Israel, a country notorious for overachieving in almost all fields, many are surprised to hear that Israel has only won a handful of Olympic medals in its history. This is partly due to Israel’s small population, and the fact that Israel’s best athletes often have to delay training during the prime of their career due to military service.
The main reason, however, is because sports plays a less important role in the Israeli psyche then it does in other countries. While in other countries, many kids yearn to be professional athletes, in Israel larger segments of the population are more likely to rank (depending on their background) either innovation, entrepreneurship, Torah studies (and spiritual pursuits), science, academia, technological advancement, military service, charity (and humanitarian) work or a combination of the above as more of a driving force in their lives. Therefore, fewer Israelis compete in international sports at the level required to win the gold. While Israel has its fair share of sports fans and capable athletes, the diehard fan base which exists in several countries (think NBA/NFL in the US or soccer in Europe/Latin America) are less common here. Nonetheless, today all Israelis (even non sport fans) are celebrating this win with extreme national pride!
Nosson Shulman is a journalist and Licensed Tour Guide in Israel specializing in Biblical tours. To allow tourists to experience Israel during the Corona era, he created the new hit Israel tour video series which brings Israel to the home of viewers by simulating actual tours. To check out his free sneak preview tour videos, click here. To view sample tour itineraries or to inquire about private tour opportunities with a personalized itinerary on your next trip to Israel, click here.
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