In a stunning 9.152 seconds, Mikhail Iakovlev achieved a historic milestone for Israel, setting an Olympic record in track cycling. Although his record was quickly surpassed by Matthew Richardson's world record, Iakovlev's achievement marked a significant moment in Israeli sports history. He secured third place in the qualifiers, advancing to the knockout round against the rider ranked 22nd and fueling hopes for another medal for Israel.
The Israeli Olympic Committee is eager to win medals in new sports where Israeli athletes have not yet excelled. While Israel has already won six medals in Paris in established sports like judo, sailing and gymnastics, Iakovlev, a 23-year-old track cyclist who emigrated from Russia two years ago, has a strong chance to create a new chapter in Israeli sports.
Iakovlev's move to Israel was swift. As a Jew, he realized he couldn't pursue his Olympic dreams with Russia due to sanctions on Russian athletes following the Ukraine invasion. He underwent an 18-month cooling-off period to switch his representation to Israel.
"Everything happened so fast, within 24 hours," Iakovlev said in a March interview with Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet. "I knew there wasn’t much time. The window to qualify for the Olympics and the World Championship if I wasn't representing Russia was tight. This was August 2022. I had just one evening to pack and leave. My family immigrated two months after me, so I left alone. The transition was tough. I had lived in Moscow all my life, and suddenly had to leave everything forever. I was stressed, but at the same time, I knew why I was doing it. In the back of my mind, I knew it was the right choice.”
His move was bold, given Israel's nascent track cycling scene. Five years ago, a velodrome was opened in Tel Aviv by business mogul Sylvan Adams, who sponsors Iakovlev. Despite the sport's early stages in Israel, Iakovlev isn't deterred. After winning two bronze medals in the World and European Championships for Russia, he won a bronze medal in January at the European Championship sprint competition, representing Israel.
Iakovlev sees potential in developing the sport in Israel and wants to help foster the next generation of cyclists. “I want to help the country create its own history in this sport,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey to cycling, Iakovlev recalled trying various sports before discovering his passion. “I was a swimmer, played soccer and basketball. I even tried motorsports. I didn’t like any of them. I accidentally came to the velodrome in Russia after wanting to be a road cyclist. There is only one velodrome there, and I started sprinting. I realized this is what I want to do.”
Although his family settled in the north after immigrating, Iakovlev lives in Tel Aviv. Integrating into Israeli life is important to him, and he studies Hebrew online twice a week. He acknowledges the irony of moving from one conflict zone to another but remains focused on his goals. He also shared his concerns for his family near Karmiel, often within missile range.
Iakovlev is still adapting to Israeli drivers. “They drive like maniacs, very fast. It’s not nice when they overtake you, and you see the car out of the corner of your eye,” he said, though he appreciates the support from fans. “There is also the good side where many people encourage me and cheer for me.”
Following his sprint event, Iakovlev is set to compete in the Keirin on Saturday, a race where riders start behind a motorcycle that gradually increases speed.
Notably, Iakovlev recently cut his distinctive long hair, hoping to avoid Samson's fate and aiming for success on the podium.