Friedman replaced by Tzuberi in Beijing Olympics

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Friedman replaced by Tzuberi in Beijing Olympics

Posted: Fri 15th August 2008 11.38 AM | Author: Sam Hailes

Gal Friedman, the first Israeli ever to win a gold medal at the Olympics will not be competing in this years games.

33 year old Gal (which means ‘wave’ in Hebrew) won the Gold medal in the Mistral windsurfing event 4 years ago in Athens. He also won the Silver medal in the Sailboard. After winning the first gold in his country’s history, Friedman said “I felt like the whole of Israel was watching me.” Friedman had remained hungry for more Olympic medals after his success in Athens “I want to hear ‘Hatikvah,’ again” he said, “and see the flag.”

But with only one competitor allowed from each country, Friedman has been replaced by Shahar Tzuberi, who won the bronze at the recent World Championships in New Zealand. Friedman finished 29^th in the same event.

“I’ll take a bit of time off and return to training ahead of the 2009 European Championships that will take place in Israel” Friedman said.

For now though, all eyes turn toward young but talented Shahar Tzuberi to see if he can bring home the gold for

Israel

in the Men’s Neil Pryde RS:X (updated version of the Mistral event). After finishing 1st in the opening race, and 3rd in the second Tzuberi has got off to an excellent start. Be sure to tune in on Wednesday morning (UK time) for the final race.

UPDATE