Israel has enjoyed success on the global sporting stage with a silver in the men’s marathon at the World Athletics Championship on Sunday - just days after the women’s rhythmic gymnastic team became world champions.

Ethiopian-born runner Marhu Teferi, 31, came second at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary on Sunday to achieve the country’s first medal in the event.

Clocking up a time of 2:09:12, he finished 20 seconds behind the Uganda winner, Victor Kiplangat.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that Teferi had brought “joy to the country”.

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

Israel

Israel's rhythmic gymnasts learn of their victory at the World Championships in Spain (Photo: Twitter/X)

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.