Meet the Israeli athletes heading to the Paralympics in Paris

Meet the Israeli athletes heading to the Paralympics in Paris

As anticipation builds for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, which begin tomorrow, August 28, and end on September 8, the Israeli field is emerging as a force to be reckoned with.

The squad includes some of the same athletes who led Israel’s Paralympic team to six gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, setting several new records in this Olympic competition for people with physical disabilities. Eight of those nine medals were won in swimming.

Here is a list of the athletes who will represent the country at the event this summer:

badminton

Israel is sending two badminton players to the competition this year: In the women’s singles, Nina GorodetzkyAnd Amir Levy will compete in the men’s singles.

Bocce

The Israeli athlete participating in this year’s boccia ball throwing competition will Nadav Levi.

Goalball

Goalball is a Paralympic sport for visually impaired athletes. The aim is to score goals by rolling a ball with a bell on it into the opponent’s goal while defending your own goal.

The women’s gooball team consists of six blind and visually impaired athletes: Gal Hamrani, Lihi Ben David, Elham Mahamid Rozin, Roni Ohayon, Ori Mizrahi And Noa Malka.

Israel's women's goalball team with dogs Dylan and Rudy, from left: Roni Ohayon, Lihi Ben David, Gal Hamrani, Ori Mizrahi, Elham Mahamid Rozin, Noa Malka. Photo by Keren Isaacson
Israel’s women’s goalball team with dogs Dylan and Rudy, from left: Roni Ohayon, Lihi Ben David, Gal Hamrani, Ori Mizrahi, Elham Mahamid Rozin, Noa Malka. Photo by Keren Isaacson

Handbiking

Amit Hasdai: Hasdai has overcome paralysis on the right side of his body and his resilience and determination drive him forward in handbike competitions.

Kayaking (paracanoeing)

Former dancer Talia Eilat and doctor Irina Shafir will travel to the Paralympics to compete as Israeli para-canoeists.

Paralympic athlete Talia Eilat. Photo by Ronit Cohen.
Paralympic athlete Talia Eilat. Photo by Ronit Cohen

rowing

By profession, pediatric physiotherapist, Samuel Moran became a rowing elite after a spinal aneurysm left her lower limbs paralyzed. She is no stranger to the Paralympic stage: she competed in London, won a bronze medal in Rio and a silver medal in Tokyo.

Meet the Israeli athletes heading to the Paralympics in Paris
Paralympian Moran Samuel. Photo by Reuven Magnagey

After a serious injury during an operation Shmulik DanielHis resilience is on display as he prepares for his second Paralympic appearance in men’s rowing after finishing sixth in Tokyo.

Meet the Israeli athletes heading to the Paralympics in Paris
Paralympic rower Shmulik Daniel. Photo by Reuven Magnagey

Shoot

Overcoming cerebral palsy, Julia ChernoyHer determination and accuracy make her a formidable competitor in shooting competitions.

Paralympian Yuliya Chernoy. Photo by Guy Strick.
Paralympian Yulia Chernoy. Photo by Guy Strick

Finally, in the mixed double sculls, rowers compete together Saleh Shahin And Shahar Milfelder.

Bathe

Confined to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, Ami Omer Dadaons The successes in the swimming pool speak volumes, including two gold medals, one silver medal and one world record – all won at the Paralympics in Tokyo.

Paralympic American Omer Dadaon. Photo by Esnat Pliss Doar.
Paralympic American Omer Dadaon. Photo by Esnat Pliss Doar

He was born deaf and mute and is paralyzed in his lower limbs due to an accident in early childhood. Iyad Shalabi is the first Muslim Israeli to win a Paralympic or Olympic medal. His swimming skills have once again earned him a place in the upcoming Paralympic Games.

Paralympian Iyad Shalabi. Photo by Esnat Pliss Doar.
Paralympian Iyad Shalabi. Photo by Esnat Pliss Doar

The Israeli Paralympic swimming squad is completed by Veronika Guirenko and twin brothers Ariel Malyar And Mark Malyar.

Taekwondo

Although he lost both hands in a tragic accident, Asaf YasurHis passion for Taekwondo knows no bounds as he trains intensively for his Paralympic debut.

Paralympian Asaf Yasur. Photo by Lilach Weiss Rosenberg.
Paralympian Asaf Yasur, right. Photo by Lilach Weiss Rosenberg

After losing his right hand due to an electric shock, Adnan MiladThanks to his determination and fighting spirit, he is a force to be reckoned with in Taekwondo competitions.

Paralympian Adnan Milad. Photo by Lilach Weiss Rosenberg.
Paralympian Adnan Milad, left. Photo by Lilach Weiss Rosenberg

Wheelchair tennis

The two teams will compete together for Israel in the men’s wheelchair tennis singles and the men’s doubles. Adam Berdichevsky And Sergei LysovIn the women’s singles Maayan Zikri; and participation in quads singles is Guy Sasson.

Each athlete brings their own unique story of resilience and determination, and the Israeli Paralympics delegation is well-equipped to inspire and captivate audiences on the world stage in Paris.

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