Israeli Athletes Triumph at Paralympic Games with Gold Medals in Swimming, Taekwondo, and Rowing

In a remarkable showcase of talent and perseverance, Israeli athletes have secured multiple gold medals at the Paralympic Games in Paris, further solidifying Israel's reputation in the world of adaptive sports. Leading the charge was swimmer Ami Omer Dadaon, who claimed his second gold medal of the games on Friday in the 100-meter men’s freestyle event, followed by a silver medal in the 150-meter medley on Sunday.

Dadaon's achievements add to his impressive Paralympic record, now totaling five medals, including two golds and one silver from the Tokyo Games. The 23-year-old, born with cerebral palsy, has become a beacon of inspiration for many, proving that determination and hard work can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.

“This wasn’t an easy race for me,” Dadaon said after his gold-medal win. “Thank God, I succeeded in representing the State of Israel and its people. I don’t have many words to describe it. Now I know that I’ll be singing Hatikva [Israel’s national anthem] during this time, which is all I wanted.”

Dadaon's success in the pool was complemented by the achievements of other Israeli athletes. On Sunday, Moran Samuel, a former national basketball player turned paralympic rower, claimed gold in the 2,000-meter PR1 rowing final, finishing with a time of 10:25.40 minutes. This victory marks her third consecutive Paralympic medal and her first gold, following a spinal stroke at age 24 that left her paralyzed.

Samuel, who holds degrees in physiotherapy and early childhood education, now works as a pediatric physiotherapist and continues to inspire others through her athletic accomplishments. “Giving hope to people is the added meaning of what we’re doing here,” Samuel said, emphasizing the broader impact of her success.

The Israeli team’s success didn’t end there. Shahar Milfelder and Saleh Shahin added to the medal tally by earning bronze in the mixed Double Sculls rowing event, showcasing the depth of talent within the Israeli Paralympic delegation.

Israel’s first gold medal of the Paris Paralympic Games was secured by 22-year-old Asaf Yasur in taekwondo. Yasur, who lost his hands in an electrocution accident as a child, defeated his Turkish opponent to claim the top spot on the podium. His victory is a testament to his resilience and dedication.

“I set a goal for myself, to become the best that I could be,” Yasur said. Reflecting on the significance of his achievement, he added, “The events of October 7 add significance to any fight or medal. The hope to raise Israel’s flag, hear the national anthem, and bring pride to the country is instilled in all of us.”

Mark Malyar also contributed to Israel’s success in the pool, earning a bronze medal in the 100-meter men’s backstroke, further boosting the nation’s medal count.

The achievements of these athletes not only bring glory to Israel but also serve as powerful symbols of hope and perseverance. Their stories inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.

Let’s celebrate the triumphs of these incredible athletes and support their continued success. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on their journeys.