Israeli windsurfer Tom Reuveny claimed first place in the men’s final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Saturday, becoming only the fourth Israeli to earn Olympic champion status.
His victory follows a string of three silver medals and a bronze for Israel in Paris, making it Israel's most prolific medal haul in a single Olympics edition and bringing the country to an all-time total of 18 medals.
Reuveny, 24, secured his first major international title with this win, having never medaled in the World or European Championships in adult categories. His unexpected triumph is being hailed as a historic upset, marking one of the most significant surprises in Israel’s Olympic history.
"I was afraid of finishing fifth or fourth; it has happened to me before that I didn't advance from the semifinals. I was the dark horse of the Olympics; no one expected this," Reuveny said after his victory. "I dedicate [the national anthem] Hatikvah to the heroes of the nation."
Shortly beforehand, windsurfing world champion Sharon Kantor secured a silver medal in the women's windsurfing event, finishing second to Italy's Marta Maggetti. Unlike Reuveny, 21-year-old Kantor, one of Israel's top athletes, was expected to shine in these Games and delivered.
"I'm so happy, it's unbelievable," an elated Kantor said after her impressive performance in the IQ Foil class. "In the semifinals, I won, but I missed in the final. Still, I'm thrilled. This medal is for you, Lee Korzitz!" she declared, dedicating her win to the four-time world champion windsurfer who is battling cancer.
Kantor expressed gratitude to her support team, including coach Shahar Zuberi, a bronze medalist in windsurfing from the 2008 Olympics. "The union and Olympic Committee have been incredible," Kantor noted. "It's thanks to them and my amazing team that I'm standing here today."
Korzitz recently shared her determination to fight cancer, referring to her battle as "the Olympics of diseases." She has been a source of inspiration for Kantor, who added, "I love you, Lee."
Zuberi praised Kantor's resilience in the face of challenging weather conditions. "Sharon excels in stormy conditions. We aimed for gold and knew she was capable," he said. "We focused on Britain's Emma Wilson, but a mistake shifted the competition, and the Italian seized the opportunity."
Kantor's mother, Nurit, celebrated her daughter's achievement. "She has a passion for surfing and was eager for this day. Sharon is a calm competitor with joy in her heart," she said.
Kantor's victory makes her the first Israeli woman to win an Olympic medal in surfing. As she reflects on the Israeli team's success in Paris, she said, "It's amazing to see so many medals and the Israeli flags waving here."