Today (Friday), Sheina and Sefi became the first athletes ever to represent Israel in the Paralympic Winter Games, finishing in 15th place at the end of the giant slalom.
For 20-year-old Vespi, it was also the first and last assignment in the games due to a change in schedules, but by the end she sounded pleased and was already looking forward to the next games in four years in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy.
"It was very important for me to compete here, I'm really proud to be the first Israeli to do so," said Vespi.
"I finished my assignment at the Paralympic Winter Games, happy to be here and make history by representing Israel."
"I would like to say thank you to the Paralympic Committee and the Association for Disabled Sports and to everyone who has supported me and supports me to this day, without you there is no doubt that this would not have happened. With the help of the name we will see in 2026 with much better results."
Sheina and Sefi skier at the Beijing Paralympic Games, Credit: The Israel Paralympic Committee
Vespi sparked a lot of interest in the media covering the games and at the end of the competition today, she was asked why she would not take part in the slalom competition that was preceded by Saturday due to weather conditions and she replied: "I do not surf on Saturday because I rest.
On her appearance with a skirt, she added: "It's also part of my religion and I'm glad I'm able to do it. There were issues until I got approvals, when I was initially told there were 'safety issues' with it and despite all the issues, I was eventually given the approval."
Paralympic Committee Chairman Eli Birnbaum said: "Dear Shina, you made us all happy tonight. We are so proud of you. A breakthrough, proof of talent, determination. Great value and courage. You have become a role model and inspiration for many."
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