Israeli athletes take home gold and silver medals in gymnastics and athletics at World Championships

Last year, Lonah Chemtai Salpeter won a bronze in the women’s marathon at the World Championships.

On Friday, Israel’s women won the gold for the all-round group event at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championship in Valencia, Spain - one better than the silver they achieved at last year’s championships.

The team comprising of Shani Bakanov, Eliza Banchuk, Adar Friedman, Romi Paritzki, Ofir Shaham and Diana Svertsov saw off challenges from China and Spain to secure top place.

Their routine included the chorus from Dana International’s 1998 Eurovision winner Diva as well as a quote from Wonder Woman Gal Gadot.

Their victory cements the country’s growing reputation in the artistic discipline: Linoy Ashram became Israel’s first golden female Olympian by winning the all-round women’s event in Tokyo in 2021.