Israeli Wins Bronze in Beijing

by Daniella Braun - Wednesday 20th August 2008


Israel won its first medal of the Beijing Olympics on Wednesday when windsurfer Shahar Zubari claimed bronze in the fiercely-contested RS:X class event.

Speaking to TJ soon after his successful performance on the water in Qingdao, the 22-year-old said: "It's a wonderful. I am so happy but I am also glad it is over.

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"It has been a long and difficult journey with a lot of pressure, but it ended beautifully. Now I can just be happy."

Zubari, who grew up in Eilat and started surfing at the age of 13, received a congratulatory phone call from Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who told him: "You made us so happy. I have been following you these past eight days and I have not ceased to be amazed by your cool temper, your inner peace, and self-confidence. And your desire of brining home a medal.

"I want you to know, that many tears of joy fill the eyes of all Israelis. The future is still ahead of you, and the future of Israel is ahead of her."

Zubari said the call was "exciting and fulfilling", and added: "I was proud to represent my country and it gave me strength to know that the entire country is behind me.

As for his plans for the future, he said: "The next Olympics in London is still far away but the European Championship will be here soon. I am going to take a break for now and start training again in three months and, hopefully, compete in the UK in 2012."

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