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Ashram, Plachik, Dolgofiat: Rishon Lezion, Israel's Olympic Sports Capital

The fourth largest city in the country sent five athletes to the Olympics, and three returned with medals - two gold.

The residents, who proudly celebrated the achievements, say that this is the result of an extraordinary investment on the part of the municipality, even in the lesser-known industries.

"We're on the map, we heard screams from the balconies the moment we won"

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• Rishon Lezion

• Tokyo 2020 Olympics

• Olympics

• Artium Dolgofiat

• Linoy Ashram

• Peter Plachik

Sapir Levy

Saturday, 07 August 2021, 18:00

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In the 139 years since its founding, Rishon Lezion has celebrated quite a few historic milestones, and today (Saturday) it can add a new one to the list - the first three Olympic medals.

The city celebrated at the Tokyo Games two gold medals of its residents, gymnasts Linoy Ashram and Artium Dolgofyat, and one bronze, which is in charge of judoka Peter Plachik who participated in the mixed team competition.

"After three Olympic athletes, there is a feeling that Rishon Lezion is 'raising athletes', and it also feels like ours, the residents. That we are part of it," shared Marina Greenberg, a resident of the city.

"I sit and watch and call and send messages: 'Did you hear? Did you hear?'. It's a huge pride for the city, we're on the map - a map of Tokyo.

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The city is celebrating.

Billboards in Rishon Lezion (Photo: official website, -)

In a round in Rishon Lezion, it is difficult to miss the holiday atmosphere.

The fourth largest city in Israel, with 254,000 inhabitants, sent five athletes to the Olympics, and billboards with their image hung on the streets.

The excitement culminated with Ashram's dramatic victory in the multi-fight competition.

"Once the first two athletes won the medal, the municipality decorated the city with flags. Now that you are entering a festive city, I am sure that when Linoy returns, we will feel that it is an Olympic city," said Marina.

She praised the municipality for helping athletes, even those who compete in industries that make headlines only once every four years.

"The city supported. In artistic gymnastics, for example, you need a different, flat floor and not parquet as in most halls, and that exists in our city," she noted.

Keren Fischer, another resident, reinforced her words.

"I saw all of Linoy's competitions with my two daughters, ages 13 and 16, who also practice athletics as part of Comprehensive School H. I know that this trend does not exist in every school, nor in every locality. I feel that Rishon Lezion has We have a respectable sports field since childhood. We have a respectable stadium in the neighborhood that is suitable for all fields of athletics, which hosts competitions from all over the country and also internationally. We have community centers that give children a variety of sports.

" "From Israel and Rishon Lezion, and I completely look forward to a bright future for the next generation," she said.

"Huge pride."

Marina Greenberg (Photo: courtesy of the photographers)

Mayor Raz Kinstlich welcomed the results.

"I am proud and excited to head a city that has produced three Olympic medalists and outstanding athletes. I am proud of Linoy who has proven professionalism, perseverance and determination and brought us another historic achievement," he said after the win.

"These days we have finished planning the Center of Excellence for Achievement Sports, which will become a home for all athletes in the field of judo, instrumental gymnastics and artistic gymnastics. Rishon Lezion has become an Olympic council and we can and will support our athletes all the way."

Kinstlich spoke with Hedva and Oren Ashram, Linoy's parents.

"Did we have such a history in Rishon Lezion," the father asked the mayor, to which he replied: "There has not been such a history in the whole country, I am all shivering with excitement."

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