Israel’s elite athletes are hoping to shine at the 2024 Paris Olympics…writes Julie Burniston.
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are set to be an exhilarating event, showcasing the world’s top athletic talent, and with a blend of seasoned champions and promising newcomers, the Israeli team is set to make waves. The games, running from 26th July to 11th August mark Israel’s 18th appearance at the Summer Olympics, and among the 78 competitors representing their country in 15 sports, several standout athletes are poised to make a significant impact. Here’s a closer look at the standouts, their schedules, and the venues where they’ll be competing.
Linoy Ashram | Rhythmic Gymnastics
Linoy Ashram, the 2020 Olympic gold medallist, is renowned for her grace, precision, and creativity in rhythmic gymnastics. She is expected to deliver another stellar performance in Paris.
Venue: Arena Bercy (Accor Arena)
Schedule: 8th to 10th August
Must-see event: Individual All-Around Final on 10th August
Sagi Muki | Judo
Former world champion Sagi Muki, competing in the men’s 81 kg weight class, is known for his aggressive style and tactical expertise, making him a top contender in judo.
Venue: Champ de Mars Arena
Schedule: 27th July to 3rd August
Must-see event: Men’s 81 kg competition on 30th July
Hanna Knyazyeva-Minenko | Triple Jump
Silver medallist at the World Championships, Hanna is aiming for a podium finish in Paris with her explosive power and technique in the triple jump.
Venue: Stade de France
Schedule: 2nd to 11th August
Must-see event: Women’s Triple Jump Final on 6th August
Artem Dolgopyat | Artistic Gymnastics
2020 Olympic champion Artem is celebrated for his difficult and precise routines in floor exercise, making him a key athlete to watch. Venue: Bercy Arena (Accor Arena)
Schedule: 27th July to 5th August
Must-see event: Floor Exercise Final on 5th August
Shay-Li Shloush | Swimming
A rising star in swimming, Shay-Li specialises in freestyle and butterfly events and has the potential to be a surprise medallist. Venue: La Défense Arena
Schedule: 27th July to 4th August
Must-see event: Women’s 100m Butterfly Final on 29th July
Adam Mara’ana | Swimming
Israeli swimmer Adam has made history by qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 100m backstroke, becoming the first Arab citizen of Israel to represent the country in the Olympics since 1976. Alongside Mara’ana, seven other Israeli swimmers have qualified, including Anastasia Gorbenko, Aviv Barzelay, Tomer Frankel, Denis Loktev, Meiron Cheruti, and Gal Cohen Groumi, competing in various individual and relay events.
Venue: La Défense Arena
Schedule: Preliminary heats and finals on 27th July Must-see event: 100m Backstroke on 27th July
Paris 2024: What to expect
The Paris Olympics is set to be a groundbreaking event, emphasising sustainable development and inclusivity. The city will use iconic landmarks as backdrops for competitions, with beach volleyball at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and fencing at the Grand Palais. The introduction of breakdancing as an Olympic sport highlights the Games’ evolving nature, appealing to a younger, more diverse audience. Paris 2024 also aims for unprecedented gender equality, balancing the number of male and female athletes. The Games are committed to being eco-friendly, with low carbon emissions and sustainable venues
About the venues
Arena Bercy (Accor Arena): Hosting rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, this versatile indoor arena is known for its state-of-the-art facilities.
Champ de Mars Arena: Situated near the Eiffel Tower, this temporary arena offers a scenic backdrop for beach volleyball, judo and wrestling events.
Stade de France: France’s national stadium in Saint-Denis, with a capacity of 77,000, will be the main venue for athletics and rugby sevens.
La Défense Arena: One of Europe’s largest indoor arenas, it will host swimming events and boasts modern amenities and a seating capacity of up to 40,000.
Roland-Garros Stadium: A legendary 34,000 capacity sports complex, Roland-Garros Stadium has borne witness to some of the greatest moments in tennis history over the 95 years it has hosted the French Open. For Paris 2024 it will host tennis and boxing.
Parc de Princes: The ‘Parc’ was built in 1972 and has been the home of football club Paris Saint-Germain since 1974. Seating almost 48,000 it will be home to the Olympic football tournament.
Place de la Concorde: At the eastern end of the Champs-Élyséess sits the largest public square in Paris. A capacity crowd of 30,000 will be able to watch Olympic skateboarding, BMX Freestyle, Breaking, and 3 x 3 basketball.
Stade Velodrome: Located in Marseille this is another home for Olympic football.
Grand Palais: A spectacular complex in the heart of Paris, with a nave and glass roof will host fencing and Taekwondo.
Esplanade des Invalides: A huge open lawn area which will host archery to a crowd of 8,000 and will also act as the finish line of the marathon.
Chateau de Versailles: Also known as the Palace of Versailles, will be a stunning backdrop for the equestrian disciplines and the modern pentathlon.
Yves-du-Manoir Stadium: Located in Colombes, this 15,000-capacity stadium will host the hockey tournament.
Teahupo’o: A village on the southwestern coast of Tahiti in French Polynesia (a French overseas territory) is home to the Olympic surfing competition. A good choice as it is famed for having one of the most spectacular waves in surfing!