Israel at the Olympics – Friday roundup
Sailor Shahar Tzuberi still in lead for medal after coming in 17th in fifth competition, while female sailors Nika Kornitzky and Vered Buskila ranked third overall. Swimmer Anya Gostmelsky sets new Israeli record in 50m freestyle category, boycotted by Syrian swimmer
Israeli sailor Shahar Tzuberi came in 17th in his fifth RS:X Men windsurfing competition Friday at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but continued to cement his status as the favorite for a medal in his class. Tzuberi is still ranked first overall.
Members of the Israeli women's sailing team, Nika Kornitzky and Vered Buskila, came in third in their double-handed dinghy – 470 race and are now ranked third overall.
Nika Kornitzky and Vered Buskila (Photo: Reuters)
Sailors Udi Gal and Gidi Kliger had a disappointing race Friday as well, finishing their seventh sail at the men's double-handed dinghy – 470 in the 15th place, remaining in the 16th place overall.
In other sports, swimmer Anya Gostmelsky set a new Israeli record Friday with a time of 25.23 seconds in the 50m freestyle category, but failed to advance to the semi-finals. A Syrian swimmer who was slated to participate in the same competition decided to boycott it because of the Israeli swimmer.
"That's her problem," said Gostmelsky after being informed of the Syrian boycott.
Israeli shooters Guy Starik and Gil Simkovich failed to advance to the final in the men's 50m rifle prone Friday morning.
Starik was nearly included among the first eight participants who made it to the final, but eventually came in 12th. Simkovich came in 22nd and will later compete in the men's 50m rifle three positions.
Gil Simkovich (Photo: AP)
"These were my fourth Olympic Games and I was really close to the final," said Starik, 43. "I shot well, I was both technically and mentally prepared. What I missed was the little luck needed in such events. I feel that I missed an opportunity, but I'm proud of myself.
"I promise to be at the 2012 London Olympics, even at the age of 47. As opposed to the media, I believe there are other great events apart from the Olympics. It's not the only thing in sports.
"There are a lot of competitions and records one can aspire to. I have a lot left to contribute to Israeli sports, and I proved it today. I'll take a normal break and continue to practice."
Miki Sagui contributed to this report
