Blessing Afripa: "I'm so excited, I'm out of words" | Israel today

Wow what a night it was.

Blessing Afripa gave the stamp tonight (between Thursday and Tuesday) that he is at the top of world athletics, after winning the gold medal at the World Under-20 Championship held in Colombia. 

18-year-old Afrifa will receive the gold medal only tonight, when he steps up to the podium and the national anthem is played - and then he won't have much time for celebrations, as he will start preparing for his next destination in the busy season - with the European Senior Championships in Munich, where he will also be a candidate for a medal. 

"I'm so excited. I'm at a loss for words," said Afrifa, who finished seventh in the final at the World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Nairobi last year.

"For a second I thought, 'OK, I'm second, but I'm very happy to be second to Tobago'. I've fulfilled my dream." 

The determination 😤#WorldAthleticsU20 pic.twitter.com/Tri1oIwNaU

— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 5, 2022

Indeed, it was very close, as everyone waited for the decision of the photo finish, when in the end it was the Israeli who crossed first - while the silver medal went to the Botswanan Tesil Tebogo, the world record holder in the half distance: "This is the best race I have run in my life so far," said the loser.

"I'm really grateful for the performance and not everyone can run those fast times, four days in a row." 

The one who congratulated was the Minister of Sports Hili Trooper: "Congratulations to the runner Blessing Afripa for an unprecedented achievement and winning the world championship under the age of 20! Determination and great talent led to the historic victory at the finish line and breaking an Israeli record. Blessing, your victory brings enormous pride to the State of Israel. Good luck! " 

Ami Baran, Chairman of the Athletics Association said: "Today we saw another result of perseverance and willpower.

Afrifia and his coach Igor Balon proved today that if you dream about it, you can get where you want.

I am so proud of them and all the athletes and coaches in this championship.

Hats off to them for the efforts and pride they bring to the State of Israel and Israeli sports

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