Ten Medals and Countless Inspiring Moments
In a challenging year for Israel, our Paralympic athletes have been a beacon of inspiration and strength for all of us, pouring their hearts into the Games. Here is a summary of Israel’s remarkable Paralympic journey to Paris
- 25 September, 2024
Ami (Omer) Dadon, one of Israel’s greatest Paralympic athletes, earned four impressive medals in Swimming at the Paris Games: two gold, one silver, and one bronze.
Born with cerebral palsy, Ami began swimming at age 6. Today, he is a decorated Paralympian with gold medals from the European Championships and Tokyo 2020, where he set world records, and now also from Paris. In 2023, he won another gold at the German Open Championships.
While Paralympic swimming is evolving rapidly, making it increasingly challenging to stay at the top, Ami Dadon continues to exemplify true sporting greatness, proving his exceptional talent and dedication.
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Asaf Yasur won the gold medal in Para-Taekwondo at the Paris Games.
At just 13, Asaf lost both hands in an accident but found a new purpose in Para-Taekwondo. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning three silver medals by 2019. In 2021, he won his first gold at the World Para-Taekwondo Championships, and this year, he added his second World Championships title.
Asaf has been embraced by the Maccabiah, carried the torch for the 20th Maccabiah with Ori Sasson to then-President Reuven Rivlin's home, and participated in Maccabi World Union's centenary celebrations.
At only 22, Assaf has already reached the pinnacle of his field. With endless potential and a world of opportunities before him, the sky is truly the limit.
(photo credit: Rafi Deloya)
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Moran Samuel, a Maccabiah torchbearer for the 2017 Games, won a gold medal in Paralympic rowing.
After a spinal injury in 2006 left her a paraplegic, Moran's remarkable resilience shone through as she took up rowing and represented Israel at the Paralympic Games, earning bronze at Rio 2016 and silver at Tokyo 2020. She has also secured medals at the World and European Championships, and was the World Champion at 2015.
This was Moran's final appearance on the Paralympic podium. After a career filled with countless achievements and elevating the sport of rowing to new heights, she decided to retire at the pinnacle of her success. We wish Moran all the best in her new beginnings!
(Photo credit: Amit Schussel)
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Saleh Shahen and Shahar Milfelder won the gold medal in the double rowing at Paris.
Diagnosed with bone cancer at 15, Shahar underwent significant treatments and surgeries, including removal of her left pelvis. She served in the Air Force before turning to rowing. Alongside Saleh Shaheen, she secured first place in the 2023 World Championships and finished fourth in the 2024 World Championships in Serbia.
Saleh, who grew up playing basketball, turned to rowing after being injured in an attack in 2005. Despite his injuries, he won gold in the 2019 World Championships. After a break due to his condition, Saleh returned to sports and, with Shahar Milfelder, achieved first place in the 2023 World Championships and a fourth-place finish in the 2024 World Championships.
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Guy Sasson won a bronze medal in Wheelchair Tennis at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
After a snowboarding accident in 2015 left him with a spinal cord injury, Guy turned to tennis during his rehabilitation. He quickly rose to prominence, winning the Israeli Championships in 2019 and competing in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
In 2024, Guy made history by becoming the first Israeli to win a Grand Slam in the quad category at the French Open.
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Mark Malyar won the bronze medal in the 100m backstroke at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
Born with cerebral palsy, Mark has significantly impacted the world of para-swimming. His remarkable achievements include setting world records and winning multiple medals across various competitions. Notably, he secured two gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Mark's continued success at the European and World Championships has established him as a leading figure in the S7 disability category, showcasing his exceptional skill and determination in the sport.
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The Israeli Goalball team achieved a historic milestone by winning the silver medal at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, demonstrating impressive teamwork, determination, and skill.
The team, consisting of Gal Hamrani, Roni Ohayon, Noa Malca, Lihi Ben-David, Elham Mahamid, and Or Mizrahi, has a notable competitive history. They placed seventh at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio and secured an impressive sixth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Their success extends beyond the Paralympics. The team has made significant strides in international competitions, including the Sheffield European Championships in 2010, the World Championships in Espoo in 2014, the World Championships in Malmö in 2018, and the World Championships in Portugal, where they clinched a bronze medal after winning 9 out of 10 games.
Keep on shining! We are incredibly proud of every one of you!