Israel Secures Record 10 Medals at 2024 Paris Paralympics

Israel has made history at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, securing an impressive 10 medals, including four golds, marking the country's strongest performance in 20 years. This achievement surpasses the nine medals won at the 2021 Tokyo Games and stands as the most since the Athens 2004 Paralympics, where Israel garnered 13 medals.

Among the standout moments in Paris were Israel’s first victories in team sports in 36 years, with historic wins in taekwondo and goalball. Ami Dadaon and Gal Hamrani, captain of the women’s goalball team, will lead Israel’s delegation at the closing ceremony, showcasing a remarkable blend of individual and team success.

"In our view, Ami and Gal — like the rest of the delegation — moved an entire nation and brought great honor to Paralympic sports, and to the entire State of Israel,” said Moshe Matalon, chairman of the Israeli Paralympic Committee.

Ami Dadaon, Israel’s most decorated Paralympian, took home four medals in swimming, a feat that resonated deeply across the country. Born with cerebral palsy, Dadaon began swimming as a child after a physiotherapist recommended it. At the Paris Games, his emotional tributes to Israeli hostages and fallen soldiers, along with his passionate rendition of Israel's national anthem during medal ceremonies, captured the hearts of Israelis everywhere.

“It’s a pleasure to represent the State of Israel and the Jewish people — I love you, our soldiers, the families of the hostages, the families of the fallen, the whole Israeli people. I’ll never forget your support… I felt you every moment I was swimming in the water,” Dadaon said.

Mark Malyar, another Israeli Paralympic star born with cerebral palsy, earned a bronze in the men’s 100m backstroke in the S8 class, continuing his impressive legacy in the pool.

Israel's two other gold medals came from taekwondo and rowing, further showcasing the nation's athletic diversity. Asaf Yasur, 22, stunned the world by winning gold in the men’s under-58kg taekwondo class, in his Paralympic debut. Yasur lost his arms at 13 in an electrocution accident but has since risen to the top of his sport with determination and grit.

Moran Samuel, a Paralympic veteran at 42, took home gold in women’s single sculls. After a spinal stroke left her wheelchair-bound at 24, Samuel has become a role model, competing in her fourth Paralympic Games and securing yet another victory for Israel.

This historic medal haul has inspired a nation and highlighted the incredible determination of Israel’s Paralympic athletes, who have shown the world what is possible with perseverance, dedication, and heart.

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