Jewish and Israeli Medalists Triumph at the 2024 Paris Paralympics
The 2024 Paris Paralympics culminated on Sunday, reflecting a summer of remarkable athletic achievements for Jewish and Israeli competitors on a global platform. Not long after 21 Jewish athletes secured an impressive haul of 18 medals at the Olympics, 15 Jewish and Israeli Paralympians followed suit, earning 13 medals in total.
The Israeli contingent proudly brought home 10 medals—consisting of four golds, four bronzes, and two silvers—marking the first instance of double-digit medals since the Athens Games in 2004. Notable among the medalists was swimmer Ami Dadaon, who collected four medals, including two golds, amidst significant national strife, including tragedy and political turmoil at home.
United States track and field athlete Ezra Frech also shone brightly during the Games, capturing gold on consecutive days, furthering his aspiration to achieve greatness in the world of Paralympic sports.
This article will delineate the achievements of the Jewish and Israeli medalists in Paris, enumerated according to the nature of their medals.
### Gold Medalists
Ami Dadaon
Leading the Jewish medal count, Israeli swimmer Ami Dadaon excelled by medaling in four out of five events, raising his career total to seven. The 23-year-old from Haifa, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, claimed gold in both the men’s 100-meter freestyle S4 and the men’s 200-meter freestyle S4, setting a new Paralympic record during the qualifiers for the 100-meter event, where he also holds the world record.
Dadaon additionally garnered silver in the men’s 150-meter individual medley SM4 and bronze in the men’s 50-meter freestyle S4. Although he entered the 50-meter freestyle with a world record, he was narrowly bested by Canadian swimmer Sebastian Massabie. In his fifth event, the men’s 50-meter breaststroke SB3, Dadaon placed fifth.
Ezra Frech
American track and field star Ezra Frech secured his inaugural Paralympic medals, both of which were gold, in the men’s 100-meter T63 and the high jump T63. The 19-year-old, born with a congenital anomaly resulting in a missing left knee and shinbone, achieved a thrilling victory in the 100-meter race, finishing ahead of the German silver medalist by merely two-hundredths of a second. The following day, he set a new Paralympic record in the high jump with a leap of 1.94 meters.
Frech expressed aspirations to accomplish what he terms the “triple crown” at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, with goals to clinch gold in the long jump, high jump, and 100-meter sprint.
Moran Samuel
Israeli rower Moran Samuel attained her first Paralympic gold and third medal overall in the PR1 women’s single sculls. Following a spinal stroke in 2006 that resulted in paralysis of her lower body, the 42-year-old reflected on the privilege of competing and winning gold, indicating that fulfilling her role in Israel’s national spirit through victory was deeply meaningful.
Asaf Yasur
Martial artist Asaf Yasur achieved the distinction of being the first Israeli athlete to win a gold medal in the men’s 58-kilogram K44 taekwondo competition. At just 22 years old, Yasur, who lost both hands in an electrocution accident at the age of 13, showcased his skills by defeating his Turkish counterpart 19-12 in the finals after displaying dominant performances throughout the eliminations.
### Silver Medalists
Israel’s Women’s Goalball Team
The six-member Israeli women’s goalball team made history by securing a silver medal in their sport, which is designed for visually impaired athletes. After an intense battle that saw them reach the finals, they ultimately fell to the Turkish team, marking Israel’s first Paralympic medal in team sports since 1988. Their resilience during the tournament was symbolically reflected in their solidarity with current events in Israel, as members sported yellow ribbons during the semifinal matches.
### Bronze Medalists
Mark Malyar
Israeli swimmer Mark Malyar added to his medal tally with a bronze in the men’s 100-meter backstroke S8, counting his fourth Paralympic medal. Just 24 years old, Malyar has previously achieved significant success in Tokyo, and despite his efforts in Paris, he finished close behind the gold and silver medalists.
Shahar Milfedler and Saleh Shahin
Israeli rowers Shahar Milfedler and Saleh Shahin teamed up to win bronze in the PR2 mixed double sculls. Milfedler, who faced a personal battle with severe illness earlier in life, expressed her motivation to honor the memory of those affected by recent tragedies during their competition. Shahin, a soldier injured in the line of duty, stated that representing Israel held profound significance for him.
Guy Sasson
Israeli wheelchair tennis player Guy Sasson celebrated his first Paralympic medal, earning bronze in the wheelchair tennis quad singles after a passionate match in which he overcame Turkish opponent Ahmet Kaplan. Sasson, who had previously triumphed at the French Open, reiterated the importance of joy and hope for families suffering due to the ongoing conflicts.
Ian Seidenfeld
American table tennis player Ian Seidenfeld earned his second Paralympic medal, a bronze in the men’s singles MS6 category, after formerly securing gold in Tokyo. The 23-year-old athlete, born with Pseudoachondroplasia dwarfism, continues to represent excellence in the sport with the support of his father, a seasoned Paralympian.
The impressive performances of these athletes not only mark personal achievements but also serve to inspire their communities and represent resilience in challenging times. As we reflect on their triumphs, we acknowledge the profound impact sports can have in fostering hope and unity in society.
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