Paralympic swimmer Erel Halevi has announced her retirement Israel today

Paralympic swimmer Erel Halevi, the European runner-up, announced her retirement today (Tuesday) at the age of 31. 

Halevi was born in Alon Hagalil in the Jezreel Valley as a healthy baby.

At the age of 11 she suffered from an inflammation that caused severe damage to the spinal cord.

After a long rehabilitation, Halevy began to move around with the help of crutches.

At the age of 13, she began swimming as part of her rehabilitation on the recommendation of coach Noah Ram, and with his encouragement she reached the swimming pool at Ilan Haifa.

It was soon announced as the discovery of the year, and as the athlete of the future and was added to the swimming team coached by Yaakov Bininson. 

Halevy represented Israel in three Paralympic Games, in London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. In the last games she qualified for two finals.

Halevy also won three bronze medals from the European Championships in 2009, 2016 and 2018, and last year was already the European runner-up.

"Twenty years ago, at the age of 11, I suddenly became disabled. My life was turned upside down," Halevy said.

"After a long rehabilitation I returned home another girl, a disabled girl. I had to deal with a new body and an environment that tests my abilities. 

"I came to Ilan Haifa for further rehabilitation and very quickly opened up to a new world. Between swimming and me a true love story developed. The pool in Ilan became my second home, Yaakov became my second father and my training partner friends became a family." 

"Sport has changed my life," Halevy continued, "it has helped me strengthen my self-confidence, positive body image and sense of ability. I was not born an athlete, I grew up to be one. A professional and ambitious coach, a role model and admirer like Inbal Pizarro, The building for my growth as an athlete. " 

"Sports have the power to change the lives of every girl and girl and all the more so the lives of a disabled girl or boy. Today I am closing a central and amazing part of my life and opening a new page." 

Erel's coach Jacob Bininson said: "You are stubborn and opinionated and do not give up. You are an example of rehabilitation through sports, and a role model for every boy and girl with a disability. The past year has been great for you, you finished it with records. You always say I am a second father to you - so I'm like that even after your retirement, always here for you. " 

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