Israeli wins silver but cops boos in Doha
The 20-year-old’s silver medal win on the world stage was a significant achievement, both personally and for her country, as it was Israel’s first swimming medal at a worlds.
(THE TIMES OF ISRAEL) Israeli swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko was booed and heckled by sections of the crowd at the 2024 World Aquatic Championships in Doha, Qatar, on February 19, after finishing runner-up in the women’s 400m Individual Medley.
The 20-year-old’s silver medal win on the world stage was a significant achievement, both personally and for her country, as it was Israel’s first swimming medal at a worlds.
Yet her celebrations were somewhat spoiled, as a chorus of boos rained down from the terraces, drowning out her post-race interview.
Pressing on, and sporting a smile, Gorbenko said she felt “happy to represent my country in this hard time”.
“Being here, with the Israeli flag, means a lot to me, and my country, so that’s the best I can do.”
The jeers continued as Gorbenko left the Aspire Dome pool, and she was booed again at the medals ceremony, though there was also some applause.
Briton Freya Constance Colbert won the final, just 0.22 of a second in front of Gorbenko, and Italy’s Sara Franceschi claimed bronze.
Qatar and Israel do not have diplomatic relations, but Israeli athletes have competed multiple times in the Gulf country, which is a leading patron of Hamas, and a host to its leaders.
Gorbenko smiled when she mounted the podium, and sighed during the mix of boos and cheers.
She later said she had been jeered earlier in the week, when competing in the women’s 200m IM, finishing fourth.
Photo: AP Photo/Hassan Ammar
“I heard all these noises, but I’m with earplugs, I’m in my zone,” she told reporters.
“I’m here to do what I love, which is sport … and I’m doing this with the Israeli flag, and I’m proud of that.
“Whoever doesn’t like it, it’s just not my problem. I think sport and politics should be separated.”
She added that after not quite doing as well as she had expected of herself in the 200 IM final, “to be able to stand on the podium at the end of the week means a lot to me as an athlete, and gives me a confidence boost in this Olympic year.”
In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Gorbenko dedicated her silver medal to a childhood friend, Sergeant Matan Angrest, who is among the 130 hostages still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
She said she would not hesitate to swim at future events in Arab countries, as, “at the end of the day, Israel is in the Middle East as well; I hope one day we’ll be able to make some peace with everyone.”
Gorbenko was born and raised in Israel, but has some relatives living in Ukraine, whom she is concerned about, as Russia’s war there continues.
“Of course, it’s hard … but there’s nothing I can do, [except to] do my best in the swimming pool, and support my country, and my family, this way.”
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